On my routine trip to Lancaster, I discovered a Spanish restaurant that instantly transported me back to old San Juan. Walking in, the vibrant walls and the lively energy of both staff and people inside made me feel as if I were back at the beach . It was surprising to find this vibrant spot open at 10:30 AM, ensuring my meal would be fresh and flavorful. I chose their pork with rice & beans, and sweet plantains. I couldn't be more thrilled. The juicy pork, drizzled over the rice, was perfectly cooked--not too oily or runny--and settled comfortably in my stomach, which, as a truck driver, I greatly appreciate this, while being a driver you find out later while going down the road if the food was real good or not! If you catch my drift I was also delighted to see that they offer fun games for kids, making it a family-friendly spot. And if you have a sweet tooth, stay tuned--you'll be pleasantly surprised by their desserts including flan or caramel custard, it's popular in French, Spanish, and Latin American cuisines. I didn't get a chance to taste the pastries however they looked very delicious. So next time I do visit the Lancaster area I'll make sure that I stop here first for a pastry read more

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Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Lancaster PA. Everything was flavorful and fresh, even around closing time. The woman that waited on me was extremely nice and helpful with my orders. I'll definitely be returning soon. Portions are also very big. read more

El Cubano - ROAST PORK COMBO - Cuban Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Food was undercooked. Friendly person upfront but that was about it. We sat down at a very small wobbly table and then the food came all at once. Pastelillo was not great. It was soggy and dripped oil and achiote... and the stuffing tasted different. Chicken wings were flavorless and undercooked which is a health hazard. The only thing we hot to enjoy as the cold malta bottle.. it was cold and we were pretty thirsty. I hope their food gets better as we all want for latin food places to showcase our food and diversity. I am just being honest‍ read more

This place was just truly awesome. I really enjoyed every single item I had from them, and I don't even eat Cuban food that often. It's a real treat. I tried a wide assortment of delicious items. I tried a malteada, beef and cheese empanada, Jamaican beef patty, ropa vieja, and rice and beans. The two empanadas were incredible. They were crispy on the outside, very crunchy. Delicious stuffing. Very meaty and fresh. The cheese had a nice saltiness to it, and was also delicious. Stuffed to the brim. I loved it and would definitely recommend. Oh, and they were pretty huge, too. The Jamaican patty was quite spicy. I was surprised by how tasty this was. Perhaps a tad bit dry on the edges, but the stuffing was really tasty. Similar to the beef and cheese empanadas but with a different, flakier encasing. The ropa vieja was fantastic. The meat was so tender and perfectly cooked. It was juicy and flavorful. I would 100% recommend it. The meat went perfectly with the flavorful rice and beans, which soaked up the delicious meat juices perfectly. Finally, this was my first time trying a malteada. It's kind of hard to describe this drink, a bit like caramel? It is very sweet but still quite enjoyable. Id say it's not my favorite drink, and the smoothies are probably better in my opinion, but it was still nice to try. All in all, I would for certain recommend this place. The meat is amazing, empanadas are fantastic, sides are stellar...what's not to love? Prices are amazing and portions are too. I'd definitely come back here next time I'm in Lancaster. read more

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Delicious. This review is on the brick and mortar's page but the same could be said about the stand at Central Market. The roast pork, OMGeeee, don't hesitate! As a meal, as a cuban, heck even on a flip flop.... add some rice and beans and it's heaven on a plate. The portions are plentiful, the prices completely reasonable and the staff helpful and friendly. The brick and mortar is on a side street with a few parking spaces out front, otherwise street. There are scattered tables inside, most of the business seems to be to go. Either way, don't snooze on this gem. read more

EXCELLENT AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD ! My Girlfriend and family are Cuban. We got food from here two days in a row this weekend and they LOVED everything we ordered ! Definitely will be getting food from here many times again ! They all agreed it was awesome CUBAN food ! Five Stars !! read more

I would love to give El Cubano a 5 star review, because their food is the best Cuban food I've ever had. I've lived on every coast, and many States in between. Each place I travel to, I try out the local Cuban restaurants. My husband and I just moved here from Los Angeles, where we lived five minutes away from a huge Cuban restaurant and bakery that is world renowned. I firmly believe El Cubano's food is better. It's legit. The problem is that they've messed up two out of the three delivery orders we've gotten from them. The first time I called to report their error (missing empanada), the lady on the phone said she'd send the missing item. It never came. Then they did it again--wrong empanada, wrong dessert. I'd guard against ordering delivery from El Cubano, and if you want to try it, only go in person. If they fix the situation, then I'll update my review to five stars. read more

A new addition to Eastern Market in York and happy to have them. We ordered a Cuban Sandwich and a Potato ball stuffed with Pork. The Sandwich was loaded with ham, pulled pork, cheese, pickle and mustard on a Cuban bread, prepared Panini style. This $12 sandwich fed the two of us. This is best Cuban Sandwich we've had since our last visit to Florida. Stop by Eastern Market York on Friday. Enjoy!- Tim and Judy read more

Amazing place, food and service. The ambiance is beautiful and calm. I will be returning soon, hungry for more delicious Cuban food.

When I asked my girl what I could pick up-- because she's a Nona in training and always cooks for me, but I never do for her-- I suggested El Cubano, remembering the shocking surprise of just how much I love their Cuban Sandwich. And I'm sure you already know the blueprint: succulent, tender pork, melted oozy cheese, the perfect slathering of mustard, and the tang of pickle, all on bread bearing the grill marks and crunch of having been put through a panini press. It was heaven then-- and it was heaven this time too. You HAVE to get you one. (This sandwich is generous by the way-- and big enough to share, and walk away full, unless you're greedy, like me.) And git you some empanadas too, while you're at it. Tender, fried pastry, seasoned beef or chicken, and melty cheese? Uh. Who's sayin' no to that? And then tell your friends. Your recommendation is an act of love, selflessness, and good will. Don't believe me? Go there-- then tell me I'm wrong. Now. Let's call a spade a spade. El Cubano is NOT easy to get to if you're coming from the city down Lincoln Highway-- but it is if you're coming from Bridgeport-- so just do that. (And you know how it is: we appreciate a thing so much more when we have to put in a little work for it). There's parking-- and outdoor seating too! Eat in or take out! That place feels like my aunt's house: ya know-- it's your aunt; she ain't trynna impress you with a buncha razzle-dazzle; it's clean, cozy, comfortable, and smells like she's been cooking all day. She just wants you to come in, sit down, make yourself at home, eat, and hang out for a while. It's like that! If you haven't been, you gotta go. Like today. You will be changed-- I promise. I have no pictures. Like I said, I'm greedy. I got that sandwich, got to my girl's house and tore it up; this review was not on my mind; the food was-- so good it made me forget about everything else. read more

I thought I'd tried something new from this place, previously all the meals have been excellent and well prepared which is the only reason I gave three stars based on this current meal. I Ordered the fried chicken combo meal and it honestly looks like they took someone's leftovers that wasn't completely finished, breaded it and fried it and sent it to my house through GrubHub. Practically no meat on the bones. Plenty of rice and beans and sweet plantains which were on par. Pretty disappointed in this one which is sad because all the other stuff has been amazing. read more

El Cubano - Fried chicken - A hand holds a piece of fried chicken over a takeout container filled with rice and black beans, on a kitchen counter. - Cuban Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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Found this restaurant by accident on a Sunday afternoon-and decided to try, mainly because Ropa Vieja was on the menu .This is one of my all time favorites. Must try is the calamari which was crispy and not greasy -excellent sweet and spicy dipping sauce. As for the Ropa Vieja , It should have been Ropa Vieja Sopa as it was swimming in liquid--disappointing to say the least as flavors were there. It's sad when to think the black rice and beans were the best part of thd meal . Luckily the server and ambiance were first rate unfortunately my main wasn't! read more

The food and service were both top notch A fantastic menu!! Extremely clean!! Every employee was wearing a mask!!! read more

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Best empanadas I have ever had. Amazing Menu! Best hidden gem in Lancaster. A favorite of all that work at Bagnall Shaw Insurance! read more

Definitely a must try! Great atmosphere, high quality food and good customer service. The presentation of the food is just as good as it tastes. Give it a chance read more

El Cubano - Oxtail plate - A white plate holds Cuban dishes including white rice, shredded lettuce, oxtail stew, and fried plantains, served on a dark wooden table. - Cuban Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

I lived in Miami for years and enjoy Cuban food and snacks such as Croquetas a lot! Now that I live in south Jersey I can't get it anywhere. I just happened to be in town for a wedding and spotted this place and it really hit the spot! The Croquetas were just like I remember I Miami and the coffee was great. read more

Love, love LOVE this place. Super friendly staff, amazing cook!! Had an office party catered and ny staff couldn't get enough. Was worth the trip from Baltimore! Must try!! read more

You know how hard is to find a good Cuban food place to eat there are no ones in York pa this is my favorite spot the place is clean the food is out this world I was curving some good Cuban food and I took a chance on this place and I'm so glad I pick this place my new favorite place read more

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I think the food here is ok. We are traveling through and stopped due to positive covid reviews but when we arrived to pick up our food I was sad that not all employees were wearing masks. The food we got was good but seemed like it had been sitting for a bit. All the empanadas were great including the pizza one: totally the husbands and kids want and I tried it too. I'm not sure id go back again, especially with not all employees wearing masks. read more

El Cubano - a plate of food on a table - Cuban Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

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We parked right at the door and went inside for a lunch of the best Cubano sandwiches, perfect, crisp outside, stuffed with pork, ham, cheese, pickles, and mustard. 1 would be enough for 2 people to share. We got a pork combo to go with rice and peas plus a few maduros. That also gave us 2 meals. The black bean soup is perfect!. Bringing up the rear, were 2 stuffed potato balls. Food is reasonally priced for the quantity and quality. There was a steady stream of people eating inside or taking food out. Don't worry about talking to the counter person. If you are unfamiliar with the foods, just ask for the lids on the steamer trays to be lifted and point to what you want. read more

All the time we travel to Lancaster, PA we stop at the Lancaster market for a authentic Cuban sandwich and coffee, now we have a restaurant where we can have traditional Cuban food. The food was great, we had a plate of ropa vieja (shredded beef) with arroz con moro and yuca which was hot and well flavored and on top of all that they added yellow plantains and a side salad. Service is simple but good and very friendly. read more

El Cubano recently opened. They have a facebook page currently and they are working toward developing their own website. I believe this new restaurant is affiliated with the Havana Juice stand in Lancaster Central Market, the oldest continuously operating market in the United States. El Cubano offers meal platters, sandwiches, drinks, appetizers and desserts. El Cubano is the ONLY establishment in Lancaster County at this point, that I know of, that offers a "medianoche" sandwich, which is a Cuban sandwich on a sweeter bread. Although I did not order this sandwich during my first visit I DO plan on returning solely to have this offering. Despite this, I ordered their Cuban Combo which included any meat of coice, choice of rice, choice of side and a salad. I chose black beans and rice and tostones (fried mashed plantains). I had difficulty deciding which protein to get so I luckily was able to get half Ropa Vieja (beef) and half Chicken Fricasee. Additionally, I had a fresh squeezed limeade. Everything was delicious. The meats were so tender and flavorful and paired well with the rice and bean background. The tostones were made to order and extra crispy. The salad was mainly shredded cabbage with some tomato and cucumber in it and is served with olive oil and vinegar cruets to allow the diner to dress the salad as they please. And the limeade was great. Exactly the refreshing thing I needed on a hot day to wash down the comforting food I was eating. El Cubano has takeout and table service. They also have a small parking lot in front of the building. Service was friendly and accommodating. read more

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Great Cuban food a d super nice staff. They have a new location on Queen next to yorgos which I've been finding very convenient. I've tried the Cuban, empanadas, rice n beans and the smoothies. Def a spot to check out read more

El Cubano gives you so much food for cheap. Their medianoche and cubano is super filling and really yummy. Their ropa vieja and other platters are plenty of food. Empanadas are good and they have good variety. Never disappointed when we grab food from here. read more

Great little restaurant that serves what I am led to believe authentic Cuban food. Bright and cheerful inside, my buddy and I were greeted by a charming young woman who helped us pick out our lunch. For me it was a small Cuban sandwich which was delicious and filling for 5.50 and for my friend a pork platter with yucca, plantain, rice and beans, and a small salad. Wow! All that for 10 bucks. Buddy Bill was in a generous mood so he shared his pork, yucca, and plantains with me. What a treat. Clean, affordable, friendly, and delicious, I can't wait to take my wife to El Cuban as she loves Latin food! read more

Simple Boxes Hold Secrets Too As if in Cuba, a plain place. Simple interior. clean, open space with well-placed tables, clean bathrooms, pleasant colored wall, good music background...but wait for it...servers D (owner's daughters) and K are ready. Typical Cuban food...wholesome, well presented great flavors with pork and chicken with 3 types of rice and beans. The combo will be for two meals...be prepared for full potions...yummy. The pork has rich warm flavor, and the chicken has the perfect flavor. Yum the sweet fried plantains, but watch out for the wonderfully sweet coconut crisp. This is a BYO adult beverage. Ice is offered, and utensils are plastic, but work! So, get there, you will return as we have. read more

Great Cuban Sandwich and amazing Empanadas. Layers of flavor. Not overly spicy or greasy.

Great Cuban restaurant in Lancaster. They have traditional rice and meat dishes as well as good Cuban sandwiches. I know the owners and they do a great job. Also have a stand in Central Market. read more

Ropa vieja with beans and rice was very good. The serving was huge, more than I could finish. I would definitely eat here again

Excellent traditional extensive menu and meals, got delivery in great time, will definitely be returning to try more

I had a Cuban sandwich today and it was awful. I can tell you that it was nothing like a traditional Cuban Sandwich. Wrong type of bread, really greasy and way too much mustard! Always seeking out good Cuban restaurants, so when read there was one in Lancaster we were really excited since we were going to be staying there. The people that own/ work at the restaurant were really nice.However, I don't think they are Cuban. I am Cuban, so I do know about Cuban food! I would like to suggest to the owners to take a trip to Porto's in Glendale and see how a real Cuban Sandwich looks like. If that's not possible go on Netflix and watch the movie CHEF. It will show you step by step how to make a traditional Cuban Sandwich ! read more

MAN! This place is something else. I ordered the ropa vieja, yellow rice, & cassava. It's all SO good! It's garlicky, salty, comforting... all the things a good meal should be. Renee called (he was very sweet might I add) & let me know they didn't have the ropa vieja so I subbed the pork and it did not disappoint. I'm over here in a pork coma as we speak! It's tender, juicy, flavorful, really well done. I've had cassava in the past but never like this. It's like a baked potato and mashed potatoes had a baby, but the garlic sauce really adds something extra. Also, the portion size is HUGE for the price! Definitely my new go-to spot for lunch. Can't wait to try the Cuban sandwich! read more

I stop today to have breakfast, and order a sandwich cubano and a tamal, and people it was delicious. Food was fresh hot made at order. The food was hot and as ordered. There is parking space and the inside of the place is casual very tropical colors with amazing Cuban photos Cuba. You can pay cash or card, I Recomended this place and will be coming back but to dine and taste the amazing dinner dishes. Another great place to eat at Lancaster, P.A. Great food EL RESTAURANTE CUBAN .... read more

I really like the food here but the service can be very slow, even when ordered ahead. Ordered chicken tacos at the small stand next to it and it took over 35 minutes for my chicken tacos and there were no other customers so that's disappointing. Tacos were good though. read more

I ordered food from them using ubereats. I ordered two combos, one with chicken, rice and beans, and tostones, the other with pork. I also ordered three chicken and cheese empanadas. So, the two stars are for a quick delivery and the food itself was absolutely delicious. If it weren't for those things I'd have just given them 1 star. So here's the problem, the chicken combo was for me and I ate most of it I was very happy with everything included. About an hour later my husband stopped in for lunch to eat his which was the pork combo. After taking just a few bites he unfortunately found a very dead and 100% cooked cricket in his food. Now, as gross as that is, I know that sometimes these things can happen and it's not like it was a roach or anything that would suggest a very unclean kitchen. So I would have given them another chance but when I called to tell them about it the woman who answered the phone had a difficult time understanding me as I was giving her my name and after a quick exchange told me to call back in five minutes. I had not even told her that something was wrong at this point. I don't like making these phone calls so I ask my husband to call instead. He called and told me his exchange did not go well. There was some communication issue but eventually they understood what we had ordered and which order we were in their system. But when he tried to tell them there was a cricket in his food they completely disregarded what he was saying and started talking about their Croquettes that they have. So he told them about the crickets in Spanish and they still did not acknowledge that we found an actual bug in our food. No apologies were offered and I find it doubtful that they did not understand what we were saying even after explaining it using the Spanish word for Cricket. It was very frustrating and frankly disappointing because the food really was good. I am also adding a photo to show what we found. read more

El Cubano - The cricket is in the middle of the piece of meat and it looks a lot like rice until you see the eyes and legs. - A close-up of fried plantains, rice, and meat on a disposable plate, showcasing traditional Cuban cuisine with rice and meat dishes. - Cuban Near Me - Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Great restaurant. We loved loved loved the lime-aid. We got the special with salad, choice of meat, side and rice. We got the Cuban rice and yellow rice. Both were great! Shredded pork was awesome. My wife had the chicken which was also great. Nice music, friendly service, quick and a great deal. Thanks read more

Love this place nacho special on tuesdays are amazing! The staff is awesome & attentive.

HUGE portions. Good smoothies, empanadas, and pastries. I'll definitely be returning.

This food is amazing! One bite had me pulling up Guantanamera by the Fugees. After 2 bites, I was looking up Celia Cruz songs. Amazing food! I wish I lived around there, but I guarantee I will go back when I'm in the area again read more