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    El Cuba Cafe

    4.8 (16 reviews)
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    EL CUBA CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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    Bloo O.

    Traffic this morning was hell, but the food is worth it. Café con leche was perfect, cuban sandwich is filled to the brim, put some of their hot sauce and you have MY perfect breakfast!

    What's left of the delicious Papas Rellenas
    Tim C.

    One of the many things that I love about the YELP app is being able to introduce people to new restaurants. 99% of the time, the eateries we visit already have an existing listing on YELP, and it's our "job" to provide a review of whatever establishment we have the pleasure of eating from. It's those other 1 percenters that get me excited! It's like finding a needle in the haystack, and I consider it a privilege to be able to add a new restaurant to the YELP community. It's even more exciting when the owner of the small place you're adding hasn't even heard of YELP, is new to the restaurant game, and doesn't know about how the "YELP effect" can really drive their business to new heights. Today was one of those 1 percent days! One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a human being is to go food shopping at your local grocery store on an empty stomach. Since I am a male, I usually do this 9 out of 10 times and wind up spending $200 more than I initially planned. Such was the case today, but I was determined not to go crazy while steering my wobbly cart up and down the aisles of Publix, and also trying not to bring home the lovely Coronavirus. Pathetically, I was actually proud of myself as I was checking out because I had managed to fend off the hunger attack that was being waged by the Publix Deli sub stand. They made a valiant effort, but my will was strong this day, and I emerged victorious. Strutting my bad self out to the parking lot, I was ill prepared for the sneak attack brought upon me by this treacherous new villain! Coming out of the Publix lot I was behind a few cars at the light on Bell Shoals, when suddenly, as I peered across the street at the Circle K, I saw a tiny sign sticking out of the ground that read "El Cuba Cafe." I didn't know it at the time, but my stomach had already raised the white flag, surrendering peacefully to the thought of a Cuban sandwich. I've passed the hidden strip mall behind Circle K a thousand times, but I never recalled seeing a Cuban restaurant back there. I drove around aimlessly for about 5 minutes searching, but didn't see any kind of awning that resembled the sign I just saw previously. I did a quick search on YELP, and still nothing. I finally had to resort to a check on Google, where I noticed that the restaurant website had the same address as the Circle K, huh??? I pulled into the "K" parking lot, swung open the double doors, and low and behold, there it was, all tucked away in the back corner of this convenience store chain. Little did I know what awaited me. This place is literally the size of a snack bar on the 10th hole of the local country club, but don't be deceived, big things come in little packages. After getting aquatinted with the delightful owner Naida, I decided to try the Cuban sandwich, beef empanada, and stuffed potato balls (Papas Rellenas). Let me tell you, all three were the bomb !!! The Papas Rellenas were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, deep fried to perfection. The empanada was a little dry, but still delicious, and then finally, the amazing Cuban sandwich. I've lived in the Tampa area for over 30 years now, and this is easily one of the best Cubans I've ever had (I've got the gut to prove it!!). Besides the fresh ingredients and perfectly pressed bread, the kicker is Naida's mouthwatering homemade roast pork. She has the perfect blend of spices and mojo seasoning that gives it this out of bounds flavor, not to mention that it just melts in your mouth. The Cuban alone will make me a new frequent guest, and I also can't wait to come back and try one of her breakfast sandwiches as I hear that they too are legendary. Tell Naida that you heard about her place on YELP so that she can see what an impact we can have on her business. She deserves the traffic, I promise that you won't be disappointed (drop me a line when you do, I'd love to see what you think). Five stars all the way!!!

    The counter inside Circle K

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    Photo of Karen V.
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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very good sandwiches nice and big and fresh there inside the Circle K Coffee is excellent

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    4 years ago

    i loveee this place. i go here with my mom every morning they make everything better in here

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    4 years ago

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    Moon Mountain - Açaí bowl

    Moon Mountain

    4.7(57 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    MOUTH MAGIC Happens here! Stop right now....push directions…read moreand go to Moon Mountain immediately! There is so much to try at this treasure shop! Are you feeling like a power bowl, a coffee, a vape, a matcha, Kratom, kava....it's all here! Not only is it here, it is delicious and served up by an awesome team led by a very cool owner. I have always disliked matcha (and I've tried it all over the world...) I mentioned that to the owner and he said "Nooooooo- you've not had it made the right way!" And he gave me an awesome education about matcha. Even shared the one he was making so I could experience it the way God intended....with an "ahhhhh" , a smile, and a chocolate cold foam mustache! Perfection! It didn't taste like dirt, it tasted like a chocolate covered strawberry in liquid form! We intended to pop in for a coffee, stayed for a coffee, a matcha, an education, and the cool vibes put out by the folks here. They actually talk, smile, laugh and joke with their new friends (aka. customers) which is a very nice change from some places you go these days. Thanks so much for the magical mouth magic Moon Mountain...we will be back soon! You have created a Lunartic!

    Moon Mountain has the chillest, relaxed vibe of any coffee shop I've been to in the Brandon area…read more With plentiful seating for relaxation, playing board games with the friends, to drinking at the bar, this cafe is perfect for every occasion. I friend recommended this place for their coffee and homework time. So I proceeded to do the same today. The music is THE best, I loved every song they have put on. They have a guitar for any artist to play and many drink options like kava tea, loose leaf, coffee, smoothies, beer, sodas and more! The barista/bartender Zoey was super sweet! She answered all my newbie questions and recommendations. I tried their iced latte with coconut and caramel which was DELISH. The coffee was smooth with a strong flavor which I like, but not bitter. I will for sure be back! This is my fav spot now for homework sesh time in the Brandon area.

    Photos
    Moon Mountain - Moon Mountain Entrance- Look for the purple signs!

    Moon Mountain Entrance- Look for the purple signs!

    Moon Mountain
    Moon Mountain - Earl Grey Lavender Hot  Tea (Black)

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    Earl Grey Lavender Hot Tea (Black)

    Cali Cafe

    Cali Cafe

    4.8(224 reviews)
    4.3 mi
    $

    Soooo excited to finally visit Cali Cafe! I'd seen the pan de bono waffle breakfast Sammy in social…read moremedia and i knew i just HAD to go! Colombian spots like this are my jam & it's been on my list to visit for a minute now. The breakfast Sammy definitely set this place apart from the rest. I'd never heard of this before and honestly it's quite genius. I went on a Saturday morning and boy was it busy busy! I placed my order with the friendly attendant the wait was a bit long but there was plenty of seating inside (i didn't realize how big this place was inside!) so i sat with my book and before i knew it i was walking out with my order! Thankfully i don't live far so i was home with my order in no time. The breakfast waffle Sammy was delicious i ordered mine with sausage and split half of it with my husband. It was soft and cheesy and I'd definitely get it again next time. I also ordered 3 regular pan de Bonos, an arepa con queso, alfajores, and i heard the guava and cheese muffins were a must so i grabbed one too. Oh yeah and two cafe con leches. I see they have lunch as well so I'm gonna have to go back for a lunch Sammy and maybe some empanadas. I love that they have all the tables inside. It's a cute spot to meet with friends for cafecito and treats.

    Great morning spot for coffee. You can get fresh baked…read moregoods or a lunch item here too. Really enjoy their guava muffins. Support local.

    Photos
    Cali Cafe
    Cali Cafe - The goods!

    The goods!

    Cali Cafe - Café Cafe Americano 12 oz and quesito

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    Café Cafe Americano 12 oz and quesito

    Duo Cafe - Lychee Green Tea with Lychee Jellies

    Duo Cafe

    4.0(32 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    I've been meaning to update this review ever since the owners of Naga Tea introduced their new…read morecoffee concept. Initially, I was really missing the previous brand. But then, they kept luring me in with their unique twists of Asian inspired mocktails featuring their premium espresso blends and Naga teas. Now, they have a menu of favorites based off of their customer's preferences as well as an assortment of seasonal cookies and buns from Ngot Baked Goods and Le Moment Patisserie. I discover something new every time. It's become my favorite guilty pleasure when craving boba, coffee, or sweets. My favorites so far are the Pandan Caramel (coffee or tea version), Midnight Taro Storm, Cloud 9, Mango Matcha, Daydream Lychee Espresso, and Mocha Eclipse. I haven't seen the latter one in awhile, and that may be because Black Sesame isn't as popular around here. I can only hope that they bring back more of it. What do I miss from Naga? The croffles!! I've tried them at other places, and they're just not as good as the ones I had at this location. Duo Café keeps changing things up, so maybe it will happen again one day. I also wish for better lids on their boba tea drinks. You can no longer shake them. It has to be stirred in order to mix up the components of the drink. Other than that, it's still one of my favorite places to visit in the Brandon/Valrico area. The service is always great. The drinks are perfect every time. It also happens to be dangerously close to me and way too convenient for that quick stop on the way home. It's a great concept that shouldn't be missed when visiting Valrico.

    Still one of my fav coffee shops in the area. Their coffee is so smooth and it doesn't taste burnt…read more I love how you can adjust the sweetness. Highly recommend!

    Photos
    Duo Cafe - Cute decor inside

    Cute decor inside

    Duo Cafe - Naga Coffee

    Naga Coffee

    Duo Cafe - Naga Coffee

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    Naga Coffee

    Chill Caw-Fee - Crystals and rocks for sale

    Chill Caw-Fee

    4.7(93 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $

    The name of this place tells you everything that you need to know. You're gonna catch a chill vibe…read moreand drink some good caw-fee. It's a pretty big cafe with big tables for a group of friends or large families. It seems to be a place for all age groups as I saw kids, teenagers, young adults, and adults. They had "How to Train your Dragon" the live action playing while I was there which is a bonus in my book. They also had some arcade games, board games, and lots of chess boards. Relaxed seating area and everything is a bit mismatched, but that just adds to the vibe. The bathrooms are STUNNING. I've never been to a cafe with a bathroom that fancy whoa. The service was very friendly, gave us recommendations based on the popular items ppl get. I got the velvet amber half decaf and my partner got the cinnamon toast latte. Both were great. They also serve Kava, Teas, mushroom gummies, and additives you can add to your drink. They also offer CBD consultation. Overall, I will be coming back to battle some of my friends in chess and do my study dates there.

    This is the cutest little bungalow coffee shop in the Tampa Bay area. It gives gingerbread house…read morevibes or Hansel and Gretel. it just draws you in. the caramel dream coffee great presentation however, all the caramel was sitting at the bottom and I got to it at the end of the coffee. the coffee could've had a more robust flavor to it but overall it was a good drink. I also got a cinnamon roll with crushed almonds on top. This was the highlight. service was great. The barista was super nice. I'll be back.

    Photos
    Chill Caw-Fee - Inside

    Inside

    Chill Caw-Fee - A warmed up cinnamon roll

    A warmed up cinnamon roll

    Chill Caw-Fee - Cafe con leche

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    Cafe con leche

    El Cuba Cafe - cuban - Updated May 2026

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