My wife and I recently joined some friends for a beach day in Clearwater. On our way we were taken…read moreto a Cuban bakery that they love and have visited many times. We also fell in love with it and would be a place we go back. Unfortunately we wont be able to visit much, since it is Tampa, however, if you are in the area, you need to check it out and when we are in the area, we will go back.
This is an authentic Cuban bakery serving all the classic dishes including cakes, pastries, bread, sandwiches, empanadas, coffee and more. Since our friends had been here before they ordered ahead of time and they ordered a ton of stuff! Some for the beach and some to take back home. My wife and I ordered just a couple of things to eat immediately.
Their store is located inside a small shopping center, there is a small parking lot but very small. Inside, it is very clear and bright. They have numerous counters and two sides to the store. One side had cakes and desserts and the other side had the pastries and empanadas and coffee. There was also a counter to stand and eat before you leave which I thought was great. You didn't have to eat in your car, you could eat right there.
I was a little worried as a lot of other Cuban bakeries we have been to, the employees did not speak English and my wife and I, do not speak Spanish. However, the cashier we had was super friendly, explained all the different varieties of empanadas and was able to assist us with no issues. Other employees were helping our friends with their order so she rang us up and boxed up all our stuff. I will say even though they ordered ahead, they were not ready so we spent about 15 minutes waiting for them to pack everything up.
My wife and I only ordered a couple things. She wanted ham croquettes because they are one of her favorite things. These were delicious, very tasty, I even took one from her and I do not usually prefer these. They were crunchy and full of flavor. We would have ordered more to take home had we not been going to the beach for the day. She also ordered her favorite Cuban pastry, a guava pastry. I did not try it but she loved it, saying it was really good. I usually go for the empanadas. They did have about 4 different types. I went with a beef and then a chorizo. I have never had a chorizo empanada but this was absolutely delicious. Again, I wish I had ordered more. My wife and I both agreed it was better than the beef. Their empanadas are really large, fried, crispy crunchy, really how an empanada should be. Again very good, no notes on the food.
It would be great to have more Cuban bakeries in our area but we always make sure to get our fix when visiting South Florida and now when we are in Tampa. We will be back here! I highly recommend swinging by here and trying something. ACES!
