I don't eat meat, so I was a little unsure walking in--but I am so glad I gave this place a chance! This is a smaller spot in west St. Paul and it is authentic in the coolest way - I can't wait to revisit during the summer because their patio looks amazing! Spanish is my rusty second language and the staff smiled as they put up with me practicing, actively communicating and just overall making the whole experience awesome. Most of the existing reviews highlight the meat dishes (which looked amazing, to be fair), so I thought I'd share a vegetarian perspective. I got the vegetarian plate and all of the components were notably fresh and super flavorful. I am glad I asked if they had any hot sauce or salsa on my way out with my to-go order, because the salsa they provided was definitely the cherry on the top of my meal. The yuca fries were so fresh and perfectly fried, but not suuper favorable (as one would expect with most fried root vegetables). So I'd suggest pairing their awesome texture and freshness with a chosen form of sauce, salsa, etc. They are going to be a hit with any kids in your party, for sure! If you're vegetarian and hesitant to try a Cuban restaurant, this is your sign to go. And if you eat meat, you're probably already aware this place is a gem. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

El Cubano - Vegetarian Plate - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Time and time again, El Cubano leads the Cuban/Dominican genre in the Twin Cities, IMHO. I've had the pleasure of dining here multiple times, throughout several years, and it is ALWAYS a guaranteed sensational meal. A 2022 recipient of the Mpls-St. Paul Magazine Golden Fork Award winner, El Cubano is a casual eatery serving traditional Cuban and Dominican small bites, such as empanadas, tequeños, croquettes, sandwiches, and entrees. All meals are cooked to order, so expect a wait as your order is being prepared. This cuisine is intended to be savored fresh, not reheated. After you place your order at the counter, you may choose indoor or outdoor seating while you wait for your meal. During this visit, I had the delight to indulge in: - "Chicken Croquettes": a savory, breaded fritter stuffed with chicken. - "Chicken Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with shredded chicken and cheese. Remarkably delicious! - "Beef Empanada": flour dough, fried, stuffed with minced beef and cheese. - "Pan Con Bistec con Yuca Frita y Mojo": Steak Sandwich loaded with tomatoes, lettuce, potato sticks, mayo, and a thin beef steak, served in between two slices of Cuban bread. My side choice was fried yucca, served with a "mojo": a traditional sauce made from a cooked onion-garlic mixture. - "Picadillo con Moro y Maduros": Mined beef served with "moro", which is a combination of white rice and black beans, cooked together. The maduros are sweet, ripe, yellow plantains that are fried but, due to their sweetness and texture, remain soft even after frying. Paired with the moro and a bit of the picadillo, this meal is a transcendent bite that will have you achieving flow state in no time. - "Ropa Vieja con Arroz Blanco, y Maduros:" Stewed, shredded beef cooked with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions. This traditional Cuban dish, which translates into "old clothes", is anything but what the name suggests. The tenderness and juiciness of the shredded beef, scooped up with a ball of white rice and sweet plantains, are ethereal, and it's a dish I highly recommend if you're seeking immediate culinary comfort. El Cubano is proof that delectable, authentic Latin-Caribbean cuisine doesn't have to be complicated and can be accessible anywhere in the world with the right hands at the helm. The owner of El Cubano, who is also the cashier and server, has put this restaurant on the map in the Twin Cities. Her culinary roots, blended with her gift for cooking, her understanding of seasons, and her use of fresh ingredients to recreate popular Cuban and Dominican comfort dishes, are truly remarkable. El Cubano doesn't take shortcuts, and you can taste the quality of love poured into this food. read more

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Great value for yummy food and big portions. We split the Cubano sandwich which was unfortunately a little dry, the ropa vieja and the roast pork tostones that came with a tasty cilantro lime sauce. The staff were so friendly and helpful, checked on us while dining outside and helped my mom when she got stung by a bee. Love the bright colored patio seating! read more

El Cubano - Ropa Vieja Plate and roast pork Tostones - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Very attentive, delicious food, the best rice. The place is beautiful overall, the atmosphere was nice and peaceful. read more

El Cubano - Ropa Vieja Plate - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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OMGoodness, yummiest empanadas I've ever tasted! I tried this place out because my BFF Mexican friend said they made her FAV empanadas... I was not disappointed. I highly recommend we all order from here for all of our empanada needs going forward. I can't wait to come back to try other things from their menu. Today, their empanada options were beef or chicken. I tried both and can't decide which one I like better. They are equally delicious with perfectly crunchy pastry on the outside, and oozing cheese and zesty flavor on the inside. They did provide a nice house-made ketchup-mayo sauce, but honestly the empanadas did not need it. Cutest little family owned restaurant. The lady who took my order was so cute and friendly. She mentioned that it was her Mom that was responsible for the deliciousness of their empanadas. I quickly ordered from the counter and my empanadas were ready in 5 minutes. Cute and large outdoor patio, but there are only a few tables inside. read more

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This place is really great and worth the trip for me even living 20 minutes away and driving after a big snow storm. Me and a friend were the only people there because of the snow storm and so hit really attentive service by the owner. Loved the space itself. Plenty of seating and bright. You order at the counter and food is brought to you. I ordered the traditional stew Ajiaco/Sancocho which was delicious and made from scratch. Reminded me of a traditional Mexican pozole but I liked this broth better. My buddy got the Guajiro and loved it as well. She gave us free drinks too which was awesome. They do a credit card surcharge so bring cash. Will DEFINITELY be back! read more

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RIQUÍSIMO! This spot is truly a hidden gem for Cuban cuisine lovers. We started with the sampler platter, which included the crispiest tostones, perfectly caramelized plátanos maduros, papa rellena, croquetas de jamón, empanada, and yuca frita -- everything was fried to perfection and absolutely delicious! For our main dishes, we ordered the Masitas de Puerco with congrí and the Pescado with congrí. The flavors were rich, the portions generous, and every bite tasted homemade. I have to highlight how perfectly sweet and golden the plantains were -- they were outstanding! We finished with their authentic Cuban coffee, which was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal. The restaurant itself is well-maintained, beautifully decorated with Cuban charm, and even offers lovely outdoor seating. The food was also served so quickly which was really impressive! Can't wait to return read more

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If you like food with flavor, you need to try this place. If you like spicy, ask for their hot sauce. So much flavor. In my pictures are The traditional stew (sancocho), bistec encebollado (traditional Cuban marinated steak), loaded tostones, loaded yuca. My word!!! So good. And being born and raised in the Caribbean myself, I know flavor when I put it in my mouth, and this food has a ton of flavor. If you eat here and you didn't like the food or you didn't think the food was flavorful you probably had Covid or something. Oh, and the owners, are so wonderful, polite, very kind. They definitely make the experience that much better. read more

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Amazing food - amazing service. A real gem! We stopped by El Cubano and immediately fell in love. There is adequate street parking and seating both inside and outside. I got the red snapper and it was so flavorful and good, pro tip - you can upgrade the rice to the seasoned rice and peas. Would definitely come back! read more

El Cubano - Red snapper - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Amazing food! Everything was tasty and flavorful. It looks like a family-run place with great service. Parking is side street but it was easy to find a spot. Be ready to share a table with fellow patrons. We love it. We'll be back again for sure! read more

El Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Such a great calm space! The cashier was knowledgeable and very patient with taking my order. I stop by driving past and could help but to try based off of review here on yelp thank you community!! I will be back soon!! What a great hidden gem. The food was hot and made to order ! read more

El Cubano - Street view - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Was looking for a Cuban place during our visit. This restaurant is located at the corner of two streets. Park on the street. You place your order then they will deliver the food to your table. There is more seating on the right pass the hall. There is also outdoor seating for the Spring - Fall times. We ordered the Appetizer Sampler, Camarones con Crema De Coco, Ajiaco, and Bistec De Pollo. All the dishes were excellent. The ambience is unassuming and simple. read more

El Cubano - Busted De Pollo - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Excellent food, picked up a group order for work. Great spot! A hidden gem and a benefit to the community!

The ambiance is real cute. I would like to go back on a non rainy, warm day and enjoy some outdoor eating! The food was good. I was excited to checkout their menu. What made it real for me? I was going to eat some authentic food was when I read the description of a Cuban sandwich I've gotten disappointed so many times thinking I was going to get a real Cuban and instead I got a ham and cheese. They are not the same This place had a real Cuban!! I also noticed as a Dominican that they were literally selling the most popular and loved mixture of Dominican and Cuban food! Needless to say this is authentic spanish food that will get your fix satisfied!!! My only discrepancy was the menu does not have the prices on it. I like to know how much im paying for what im buying. But other than that. The food was food, the service was good and I would definitely come back and try this place again. read more

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I wasn't feeling well amd wanted take out and remembered how good their food was years ago especially the soups . The stew was even better than I remembered you can taste the love and effort that's put into it . The papa rellano was just as amazing ! The owner is so sweet and friendly and it's obvious with how she treats her customers that she enjoys what she does ! Her restaurant is so cute and clean and the patio seating outside with the shade is nice . read more

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This restaurant served the best Hispanic food I've had in the Twin Cities. It's Cuban and Dominican food and it's really, really good. I had the Fiesta Caribe dish with Congri. It comes with white rice typically but I wanted the white rice and black beans. It didn't miss at all. The tenderness of the chicken and steak was excellent. The flavor of the cooked down veggies was right up my alley. Please stop by and support El Cubano. You WILL NOT be disappointed. My wife had the Pargo con Crema de Coco which is a red snapper filet and a coconut creme based sauce. The richness of the creme and filet was a perfect combo. This was a nice experience. The customer service was elite and the cashier made us feel appreciated that we were dining there. To think how many times I passed up on the place. Never again! Thank you for the excellent experience in your establishment El Cubano! We'll be back. read more

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The food is fabulous and the owner is amazing! Big news is they are building a new outdoor patio area out back for summer. They already have a front patio. We will be there checking it out!! Our Cubano was great!!! So add that to your menu choices! read more

This is absolutely a phenomenal place to go for lunch. The business is family run, and you get service with a smile. There is also a lot of love and care put into the food. Prices are balanced with portions, which in my opinion are large. Bring an appetite! read more

El Cubano - El Cubano Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Winter hours and less traffic... but just as delicious! Hot warm and hearty like your Miami mom would made. A family run business. Very clean, but small. Inside seating comprises of 1 large table with a 3 smaller tables , all other seating is along bars. Outside seating is wonderful when the weather allows! read more

El Cubano - Ropa and roast pork. You won't be sorry! - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

I came here on a summer day with two little boys and husband. The place has a nice patio area and very fun designs. The front service was great! Staff was friendly and helpful. I asked for their most popular dish, and was suggested the Ropa Vieja. The dish was delicious! It had wonderful flavors. I definitely will be back to try other dishes. read more

El Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

El Cubano is the BEST! Our little family of 3 loves frequenting this restaurant. The food is incredibly delicious, well priced, really high quality, consistently good and so satisfying. We order the El Cubano sandwich along with the Ropa Vieja and a side of yuca - it's a perfect amount of food for us to share as a family. This also comes with plantain and black beans - cannot recommend these enough. The restaurant staff are always so friendly and they also have a great patio that's nice to sit out at on nice days. It's the one place in our neighborhood that we would bring visiting friends/family. Highly recommend! The only minor thing we don't love is that the take out is in styrofoam - which isn't as good for the environment. (But we still love this restaurant!) read more

I'm Cuban, so I know my good...and this was superb! I tread so good that I overate. The meat empanada was tasty and well seasoned. The pork ribs were succulent. The ripe plantains were ripe and sweet, the black beans tasted just like black beans should and even the white rice was savory. I am coming back as often as my diet permits it. The portions are huge and the colada at the end crowns it all up into a drought full dining experience. The staff if warm and friendly. Great place with excellent food!!! read more

A amazing food adventure don't pass this place up. I loved the open air seating it worked good for our large group.

Lovely place, amazing staff, great food! I recommend the Beef Empanada, Dominicano Sandwich. El Guajiro Plate, Plantanos Maduros, and any of their fresh juices. Located in the middle of a neighborhood, free street parking, be careful of the construction and your car tires though. Also have outdoor shaded seating read more

El Cubano - El Guajiro Plate El Dominicano Sandwich Platanos Maduros Fritos Guava Juice Pineapple Juice - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Moved up from Tampa, and have been desperately craving some picadillo & yuca with warm cuban bread. No luck on cuban bread but everything we ordered was great. read more

Still the best el Cubano sandwich I've had anywhere I've been in the world!!! The empanada was delish!! The masitas de peurcos is so good!!! Perfectly crispy on the outside, absolutele flavor heaven and moist meat on the inside. Just one bite does it!! read more

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The Cuban foods are amazing. Authentic flavor, plenty of food and not expensive. We ordered appetizer sample, bistec en cebollado and Masitas de Puerco. The meats are flavorful. The pork on the masitas de Puerco is also crispy. The beef on the bistec is also excellent. the appetizer sampler look small on the photo in the menu but you get two of each kinds and there like 5 different kinds so they are plenty to share. Ask for a side of spicy sauce or salsa. I am not sure what they are called but they are perfect to dip or pour over the rice. You also get black beans on the side with your entree order. The dining area and restroom are clean and the service are fast and friendly. We will come back for sure even if this is a bit of a drive for us. read more

Best cubano I've had it was great! The place itself could use a little updating but the staff was great easy place to get . If you are a big fan of cubanos like I am this is the place. read more

Went on a Saturday night. It's a carry out type space with a room in the back for dining in. I ordered the steak dish and it was average. Very thin cut of meat that was covered in onions. Rice, black beans and fried plantains as sides. Plantains were excellent. But the other stuff was forgettable. There just wasn't a ton of flavor. We did get the appetizer platter which had tostones, yuca fries, plantains, empanada and croquettes; these were all fine. Good, solid fried food. I'd give it another try and order something else. Cool spot that I wanted to love; the food just didn't hold up. read more

I shared with the lady at the counter that I am moving to the Dominican and wanted to try the food before I got there. She was so happy to help me! She told me about classic Dominican dishes and took care of me. I wasn't sure what I was going to get when the food came out, but it was WONDERFUL! I sat outside on their patio which had lots of seating. Seating available inside as well. read more

El Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

This is an exceptional spot for Cuban and Dominican food made with care, to your order and served with warmth and courtesy by the owners. They are eager to please the customer and very attentive. The food is very tasty and includes well-known dishes from both countries. The portions are substantial. My family and I have enjoyed the "ropa vieja," "yuca con mojo," and the Cuban sandwich. During warm weather it there is outdoor seating. And, they offer very prompt take out year round as well. Great eating spot in West St. Paul, very well worth the trip to that picturesque and unique neighborhood in the Twin Cities. read more

I am Gluten Free. They had items marked as gluten, sensitive and items marked as gluten free.

Drive by for the 2nd time and no one was home... So sad to this amazing family not taking orders! I hope all is well and if you guys moved PLEASE let us know....... read more

This place is great. Great service, food everything was and is great. Go there. Do it. Drop what you are and go now. If they aren't open sleep in front of the door until they open. read more

AMAZING! gracias por todo. This place is excellent not only is the food amazing however the owner and her husband are the most kindest and generous people. The cuban culture just makes you feel so welcomed and like you really belong there weather you are Cuban or not. The restaurant itself is beautiful as well it is definitely a vibe in the summer outside however inside is super cute and cozy too. I go all the time and the owner makes the most amazing cafecito to go with your food make sure to try the tostones and the empanadas. read more

El Cubano - This is the pepper steak and i subbed for the tostones cause they are my fave - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

Authentic Cuban cuisine. Any of their choices in the menu transports me to the Caribbean. Friendly staff and a clean and family oriented environment. Comfort food. read more

Really enjoyed this neighborhood gem. The ropa vieja was quite tasty and it was nice to enjoy it on the patio.

Lovely place. Very clean and neat, with a nice outdoor area with tiki huts and fun Spanish music, flowers at the windows in summer. This small family owned business feels like coming to family because the staff is very warm and friendly. It's like home cooked love; the meals are made to order unlike those of premade chain restaurants. Makes it very authentic. And the menu rotates seasonally so it's always fresh. Cuban food is very different than Mexican food in that it's not spicy at all, some of their main flavors and spices include garlic and citrus (as seen in their GUAJIRO pork dish). I recommend: --Any of their pressed sandwiches, they are the most authentic you can find in St Paul (they don't use ciabatta which is no-no) --the Bistec Encebollado (beefsteak with onions); -- red snapper when it's in season; --empanadas (meat hand pies) if you want something small and light; --can never go wrong with plantains in any form: tostones, or maduros DESSERTS: --Tres Leches (vanilla poke-cake soaked with sweet vanilla mixture), though it's typically a Nicaraguan dish, is very good here. --Rice pudding --Great passionfruit juice (fyi it's supposed to be very sweet) and fruit shakes, as well as a classic Cuban malt (vanilla) --Cuban espresso HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! read more

Was in Minnesota for three weeks and came here twice. The owner is welcoming and friendly and the El Guajiro is fantastic. The meat is tender and the dish kept me full for awhile. We were even given a sample of their coffee while we waited. It was great to be able to try a new cuisine and support a local business. read more

El Cubano - El Guajiro - Cuban Near Me - Saint Paul, Minnesota

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Been meaning to try this place for a while and finally made it over. It's a super clean, bright, airy space with a well presented, easy to read menu with accompanied photos of the dishes. which was nice. I always figured I'd get a Cubano here, but had my fill of bread related food the past two days, so went with the item menu recommend by the friendly gal at the register (Bistec somethin-the steak, rice, salad, beans, and plantain platter). It came out to 17$ (no accompaniments) which was right at the precipice of acceptability for what I'd be willing to pay for the meal in hindsight. Everything was cooked perfectly, and the steak had some spectacular seasoning going on, and all the flavors mixed together great. I don't know what they do to the rice at these places, but it was so good. The plantains had some nice caramelization. A lot of food, which was really good and fresh. I'll be back to try the Cubano. read more