Tried El Cubanito and also had their steak sandwich. I'd rate it about a 7/10 -- still good, just not something that completely wowed me. Service was quick and efficient, and the vibe inside was nice and relaxed. Solid spot overall. read more

I love el cubanito! I love their Cuban sandwich! It has Sliced pork and ham INGREDIENTS: cheese, pickles, mustard. So good! I have tried most of their empanadas but my favorite is the steak ones service is always friendly. The place is nice and clean they always have good music playing which can be pretty relaxing after a long day of work! And their prices are reasonable! Don't forget to get the delicious sauce to pour it on the Cuban and your empanada! read more

El Cubanito - Cuban sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I order from here every time I'm in Chicago. 10/10 for taste and quality. Fast service, usually busy, but the line moves quickly. read more

El Cubanito - Cubanito Steak Sandwich and a cold Cola champagne - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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First of all, I want to say that I used to eat and order from this place so many times. it's been a while since I ordered food but I went there today and when I'd tell you, they do not disappoint. Real good food .restaurants closes at five but they have a window that you can order from and they give you a pager so when your food is ready, it will let you know. The vibe and service is always and has been spectacular and you could tell that they make the food with so much love. the person taking the orders in the window is such a sweet soul. His name is Ricky. He's been there for many years. Always with a smile and great vibes the food is always made with so much love. Don't snooze on this restaurant!!! read more

First and foremost, I ate here this past Saturday. I was brought there steak sandwich. I had never eaten in the establishment before. I was thinking it wouldn't be promising cause I was thinking steak sandwich tuff, hard to chew, a piece of steak between two pieces of bread. Well I was duped on that thought. I received the stead sandwich, I opened the tray and was so surprised of what I saw. It was cut in half, and it was big. I took the first bite and let me tell you, it was so mouth watering I had to take a second bite. This steak sandwich melted in my mouth. It was all chopped up, into pieces, it was easy to chew, and swallow. It was seasoned just right, and I just couldn't stop eating it. I immediately asked where was this place. The sandwich came with a dressing, lettuce and tomato, on a French bread roll. I fell in love. I decided I needed to now go there, and get another one so I went there yesterday. I sat in the car in front of the place. I placed my order then went inside to get it. The restaurant has seating and lots of it for eating inside. They had tv's on the wall and a view to the outside. They had a public bathroom. There were patrons dining in when I arrived, and I walked up to the counter to get my sandwich. I informed hopefully it was the manager, that I had eaten the steak sandwich on saturday and it was mouth watering, and I just had to have another one. I didnt order fries when I made the order but I asked and they made fries to go with my steak sandwich. The fries too were just like I like them. Thin crispy and taste great. After speaking with the manger he wanted me to try another item they carried. It was an empanada, that too was delicious. The sandwich is so big full of steak, literally falling out the bread I couldn't even finish it. I had to save half for later that evening. This place impressed me. I don't know if they have self parking, I park in front, and ran in for my food and left. I was also told once they close the eat in dining for the evening they have a space next to the dine in that you can order for take out, and pick up till late night and thats a plus. I have to give this restaurant and awesome review cause it's rare to like everything about a business you frequent for the first time. The patrons that I saw eating at the tables looked happy and enjoying their food. I'm sure they carry more than the the steak sandwich, but that was my fav order. Thank you to the manager for allowing me to try the empanada free of charge. read more

Delicious beef ropa vieja sandwich! Good portion and good price. The walk up window is convenient!

Although I was born in Cuba, I really don't visit many Cuban restaurants here in the city or anywhere else. This is a restaurant my sister loves this place, I bought a Cuban sandwich that was good but needed more dressing like the mustard. The place was nicely decorated by Cuban artifacts, and they played Latin music. The lady that took the order was super nice. I would go again to try other dishes and perhaps give them a much nicer review. read more

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Ordered delivery couple weeks ago and it didn't disappoint. Haven't been to the actual place in a while but for a quick Cuban style food it's a good place read more

.this place was not up to par with my pallet. I got a cubanito sandwich and the pork was very very Chewy and the ham was very salty. The coffee was excellent but the customer services was lacking. To bad I had heard great things about this place read more

The food is always a hit, we usually get the house soup with rice but the jibarito is also amazing. We love the service they are so friendly and love the decorations of the place. read more

Delicious! Quick! I've lived in the neighborhood for a week and have already eaten here three times!

Best Cuben Place ever Hands Down Love the Food Service and Owners and Family, They Are All Beautiful Souls and Have Such Great Hearts Love Them. They Always make sure you're okay, So Friendly and Caring to Everyone, Best Positive Place to be and they have a great place to rent out for party's Love it!! read more

El Cubanito - This this café con Leche and I love you ham egg and cheese sandwiches every food that they have in there is amazing I love this place - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Some of the best sandwiches in the city. Great service always. You can't miss with anything you get here.

Great service, great food. The space is welcoming and warm. The empanadas are cooked perfectly and well seasoned. The cubano sandwich is tasty and the bread has a great crunch to it. We stopped here on a whim and glad we did. read more

Clean, friendly, high energy. Service was great. All the employees were wonderful. So much pride in this place. Empanada was big and delicious Excellent coffee. I had one with cardamon and?? Was great piping hot and great wat to finish the meal . read more

El Cubanito - Sweet plantains - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The Cuban sandwiches here are really cheesy, like really cheesy, the bread is nicely toasted and has a good amount of meat. read more

El Cubanito - Cuban sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great Cuban sandwich but I personally stop here in the morning for their "café con leche". They also have a great selection of empanadas. My favorite is guava y queso! Delicious!!! They're prompt & polite also. Great stop for morning drive breakfasts! read more

Got a Cuban to go, it hit the spot. The bread was nice and crispy on the outside and the meats were top notch

I pride myself on being able to randomly spot a place that looks under the radar and amazing. This situation was no exception as I was randomly driving past this restaurant and felt a keen urge to stop in. I'm glad I did! As soon as I stepped inside, my mouth started watering because the smell of authentic Cuban food immediately began to heighten my senses. The interior was perfectly laid out and was very inviting. Since I only had a short lunch break, I was unable to sit and enjoy the ambience but I definitely will in the future. THE FOOD! Excellent Cuban sandwich that made me wonder why I spent so much time in Florida looking for the perfect place to get one. THE EXPRESSO! I'm not sure if I've ever had a better tasting one in the entire country. It was quite the surprise to be having something this delicious so close to home. THE SERVICE! Super friendly and helpful. Fast yet attentive. Bottom line: The exterior of the building is quite unpretentious but the service, food, ambience, and authenticity deserves to be recognized. I can't wait to come back and try more of their offerings! read more

Love the ambiance, love the music, love the café con leche! I also ordered some empanadas. They were delicious! The service was friendly and there was plenty of seating throughout. read more

The BEST Cuban sandwiches in the city. Also love the empanadas. Worth the trip for great food and service! Five stars!

This place is delicious I always travel out of my area fofor a good sandwich. Their empanadas are great as well as thr steak sandwiches. They really fill you up and are very tasty. I rememebe when they were so small and line out the door. Luckily they expanded you can seat more people now. if u haven't tried cuban food you gotta come here. They are very quick as well if your in a rush. read more

Been coming here for the last 10 years . This place is straight gas the hot sauce is mouth watering , the service is amazing. The staff in general is amazing , if you rate this place under 4 star you must just be smoking crack , best sandwich spot in Chicago and the empanadas are to die for . The other day i was 2 dollars short ( because they were doing cash only ) and the cashier (who also been working there for at least 5 years) said i was good to go , i told him they need to get a Venmo tag or someshit so that people leave tip because shit they should , this is one of them neighborhood spots that not many people know , I'll be bringing my kids here and my kids kids here . read more

This spot is very good the sandwiches all of them are good will not be disappointed the cafe on leche on point man stop by highly recommend it in and out and quick read more

The best Cuban in Chicago, no question. All the right stuff on the right bread. Done right.

I have to saw I was sure excited to try this place out, but left somewhat disappointed. This isn't your traditional Cuban sit down restaurant, but more like fast food as which joint. They don't offer rice and beans which is always disappointing especially since I love Cuban rice and beans. Service was very fast as well. You order at the counter and you take a seat in their huge dining area. My wife ordered their Ropa vieja sandwich and wasn't impressed. It tasted very plain and lacked flavor. It tasted like the Ropa vieja I tried making once. I ordered their steak cubanito sandwich, a sandwich a lot of people hyped up. It was indeed big, but lacked flavor. It lacked that "pow" "toma" flavor in my mouth. Just some over salted steak with lettuce and tomatoes and pepper jack cheese. Their guava and cheese empanada also sounded delicious, but wasn't great at all. I thought they would use fresh guava, instead they this candy version that I absolutely hate. I usually judge a place based off their Cuban sandwich but now we'll never know. Theres a few other Cuban joints in the area that I would prefer going to before checking this placee out again. Highly doubt I'll be returning. Wonder if their coffee was any good? Only positive thing is that you get a lot of food at a very cheap cost. read more

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The sandwiches and empanadas here are delicious! Great food, cute establishment with the front part of a Cuban classic car as part of their decor. They make their own sauces too which pair well with the sandwiches. The staff is friendly and the service is fast. Awesome place to go for lunch. read more

Currently pregnant and was craving my usual steak sandwich, as soon as I walked in the worker said "sorry we're closed. Mind you I walked in at 5 and it said "open till 7" online. Very disappointed. read more

some of the best empanadas in Chicago! Chicken empanadas are seasoned perfectly and the coffee is superb! One of my favorite places in Chicago. read more

I first came here when it was just the little shack with the graffiti walls. Sandwiches were amazing back then and I finally made it back to try the food at the new digs right next door. So much bigger and bright inside but still the same good food. Tried the Cubano and the Cubanito Steak sandwiches. Best Cubano in the city hands down. One of the most beautiful cheese pulls I've ever seen. They have a number of other sandwiches as well including the tripleta, ropa vieja, egg ham and cheese, and timba. AND they have a good selection of empanadas which are about as good as the sandwiches. There is some parking off the alley next to the restaurant but it fills up quickly and some people have a tendency to double park. Eat here! Best Cubano! read more

Fast service I recommend to call in advance and place your order My favorita it's Cuban sandwich. I add mayo snd hot sauce to make it right read more

Best Cuban sandwiches in Chicago!! The steak sandwich doesn't fall too far behind! Service is fast considering how busy this place always is. The empanadas are delicious, my favorite is the ropa vieja (which translates to "old clothes" ). Last but not least, the cafe con leche is the BOMB!!! I don't know what their secret ingredient is but there is no other cafe con leche like it in Chicago that tastes soooo good!! I can't keep my Cuban husband away from this place HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! read more

I was hungry but was in a indecisive mood. Driving by el cubanito and knew this was what I wanted. I hit the walk up window because the main was closed (it was 830p). Got the steak sandwich and a drink. Definitely hit the spot, huge portion, the steak was falling off because it was piled on. They put the little french fries(chips) on it and it smacks. Definitely recommend this place. Make sure to get a fork because you will need it. This late i think its togo only options. read more

Interior design & general cleanliness were both very appreciated. Asides from this, the staff seemed to have an attitude, I ordered a tripleta with coffee. The sandwich itself was a good size, but it was as if they were exchanging flavor for salt. I'm not sure if I just make strong coffee at home, but the coffee itself seemed about the same strength with only about 8 oz. of actual coffee. The last time I've been was roughly 5 years ago, and it was great. Maybe I'll give it another try some time, but my expectations were not met at all. read more

Love their sandwiches. It's nice, compact, and travels well. It pairs well with their cafe con leche in the morning. I'm not much of a coffee drinker but I definitely do make an exception to enjoy their cafe con leche. Don't let the murals outside the building fool you. The inside is actually much nicer and clean. They have this pretty decor at the front counter with the front part of a car cut out. Their visuals for their different coffee items are quite helpful too if you're not familiar with what goes in it. If you're into spice or condiments try adding that to your sandwich. It definitely changes the profile of the sandwich. Don't be afraid to try their empanadas too. They have a nice crunch to it. Be careful when taking a bite of their food. It's hot so you may wanna blow on it first beforehand. read more

The food is excellent, the service is very friendly, and the locale itself is very very clean. It looks small but it's not . You'll be pleasantly surprised! read more

food is so good. the empanadas and the chicken sandwich are my go to and they always hit. it feels like a gem that not everyone knows about, except for people from the neighborhood who have been going for years. only thing is that I went one time and the inside seating was closed and they were only open for their service window. not sure where I should've checked to see that but was disappointed as I wanted to sit in and enjoy. but i'll be back, it wasn't enough to deter me from their good food. just check their website and maybe social when you go to make sure they're open ‍ they speak spanish and english so no need to worry if you don't speak spanish! read more

From their humble beginning in a little area to where they are now, this restaurant is like a Cinderella story... the glow up is real from this place but they still make you feel like you are the only customer in the room. The food is just fantastic! They have so many sandwiches to choose from, along with sides (for an extra charge) - I usually go with either their Cuban sandwich or their Cubanito steak sandwich. OMG... so much better than you can ever expect! Then their selection of coffee... love it!!! Cuban, lattes and my favorite, their Hawaiian coffee made with coconut milk! Yum! Thankfully they are open during these times for pick up or carry out... but when the time comes and things get back to normal, you got to dine in to get a real feel for their family style business. Keep up the good work... and can't wait to go back. read more

El Cubanito - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

O baby this is hella good. Ropa vieja sandwich juicy chewy meaty savory o mama. Cafe con leche alongside it & it's peace on earth, well in this very spacious cafe. Visit! read more

El Cubanito - Ropa vieja sandwich. - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Not usually a cuban sandwhich guy but I was in the area for work and decided to stop for lunch. This place completely changed my mind on cubanos. The roasted pork and ham were layered on thick and the mustard adding so much flavor without being overpowering. Not to mention, the bread was incredibly crispy and toasted beautifully. I love the trapezoidal cuts by the way-super unique. I'm a sucker for empanadas as well and el cubanito's empanadas come to play- offering ~ 10 options so there is something for everyone. Big, crispy, and delicious. I got the traditional ropa vieja ones which contain shredded beef and it was perfect. I will be coming back. read more