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    Franci's Cafe

    4.5 (46 reviews)
    InexpensiveCuban, Cafes
    Closed 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Franci's Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    FRANCI'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Brown rice and plantains
    Brett N.

    Why 3 stars? Because this a solid Cuban spot in my 'hood. --- --- --- I can't believe it took me this long to visit a restaurant less than 2 miles from my house, especially one with a 4.5 star rating. Plus, I love Cuban food, which makes it even more egregious! To be honest, I found the experience to be the definition of 3-stars: A-OK. Because I live so close, I'm sure I will be back again, especially since Arco Iris, my favorite Cuban restaurant in Tampa, recently closed. When you walk in, it's a bit confusing on whether you're supposed to sit down and be waited on or if you're supposed to order from the counter. I basically did the in-between version of that and kind of stood near a table and yelled my order when they asked me what I wanted. The bill came without the opportunity to add gratuity, so I guess it's officially not a server situation. I ordered the following: Cuban Sandwich - 3.5 stars. I didn't hate it and didn't love it. It comes with deli meat, not the real-deal pork, which is fine. I can get down with deli meat, but I found the sandwich to just be ok overall. Rice - 3 stars. Pretty standard stuff. Plantains - 4 stars. Plantains pretty much taste the same (great) everywhere I've had them, and that's the same that can be said here. Cheese Croquetas - 2 stars. I regret ordering these. They were pretty forgettable. The folks here were very nice, and again, I'm happy to have a Cuban spot in my 'hood, but I wasn't overwhelmed by the experience.

    Ropa vieja, yuca, and plantains.
    Karen F.

    Quaint little place located in an out-of-the-way strip mall on Linebaugh Ave. It's kind of hard to find, just know that it's at the traffic light at Plantation Blvd. I went there for an early lunch, which was a bit of a mistake, because the place was swarmed with construction workers, in a hurry to get their generously filled to-go boxes in a small amount of time. Once they cleared out, it was far more of a relaxing atmosphere. You go in and order at the side counter where a window displays the day's offerings. It's plated or boxed, then you can have a seat at one of 5 or 6 tables available. Bottled and canned sodas were available in a nearby cooler to grab as needed. I noticed the staff was very good about cleaning off tables as people got up. I chose the ropa vieja, yuca, and plantains, and it was all delicious. I love mom and pop places like this because you can tell all the food they make is fresh, and they use their tried and true family recipes. I do wish the order came with a hunk of bread - I kept feeling like I was missing something. I paid the Owner at the counter when I finished, and she was very sweet, inquiring how I enjoyed my meal. I will definitely be back to try more of their homemade offerings.

    Roast pork with crunchy skin
    Boon C.

    We have a take home for the meal. The food here is very affordable. The amount of food given is also good. It is cafeteria style food with sandwiches for order. We have the white rice, roast pork, gizzards, yucca, and sweet plantain. All that for less than $14. The roast pork is well marinated. The skin is crispy and crunchy. The gizzards are cook in tomato base sauce and the cook for some time. They are soft and not chewy. Bite size pleasure. The yucca is not my favorite food unless it is fried. But the steam yucca is my wife favorite. Plantain is well cook. Overall the experience is not bad. We also has some crocket which is tasty.

    Egg and Swiss on pressed Cuban bread; medium café con leché, no sugar
    Chris K.

    Have driven by this place countless times but had not gone in due to "fear of the unknown". BUT, thanks to my fellow Yelpers and their helpful reviews I went "All In". Franci' s is located in Plantation Center, a small neighborhood, unassuming strip mall. With only 5-1/2 tables, you'd do well to get there early and best the crowd if you plan to find in. I was craving a Cuban sandwich upon arriving but changed my mind when I saw the selection of the days' hot food items. I wanted chicken and yellow rice, but they don't have yellow rice; only white or morro (white rice mixed with black beans). Well, that wasn't going to work. So, as they serve breakfast all day, I ordered an egg with Swiss on Cuban (no meat) pressed sandwich and a medium café con leché. As Boon C. wrote in a previous review, their portions are generous and prices are affordable. My sandwich, as shown in the photo was warm, crisp and cheesy. I plan to return soon for a late lunch or dinner to try the chicken. I recommend Franco's Cuban Café. Just be sure and save me a seat!

    Absolutely delicious mojo pork, yellow rice, black beans and platanos! Wonderful lunch!
    Charlie G.

    Still five stars! I had a huge serving of Ropa Vieja and Platanos Maduros for lunch on Friday... and it was sooooo GOOOD! Staff is very nice...I always enjoy stopping by here!

    Jeremy S.

    Stopped in this little Cuban cafe on a Monday for a quick meal to go. I was greeted by someome from behind the counter as soon as I walked in and was shown what food was available on the steam table. There wasn't a menu next to the food but I was told the names of each entre they had to offer. It's a small cafe, but very clean and all of the food to choose from looked very fresh. There were a few tables and chairs at every available spot and filled by patrons with some placing orders to go like myself. I went with the pork and potatoes with yuca and morro (black beans cooked with rice). The pork was tender and not dry like you would think from it being sat out for you to see. There was juice from the meat that soaked into the potatos and the server also had put some on the rice for me, which was just as good and plenty enough to eat the next day. The yuca was soft and didn't have those little hard slivers of it sticking in the side of my mouth as I ate it...like you get at other places that leave it out too long. I was given some garlic lime juice mixture to put on the yuca and it helped give it a little tangy garlicky bite. Good place for a good quick lunch.

    Steve E.

    Franci's Café is a fabulous little Cuban café located along Linebaugh Avenue in between Gunn Highway and Anderson Road. You'll find them right at the intersection of Linebaugh and the traffic light at the entrance to the Plantations of Carrollwood. The restaurant sits in a non-descript little strip mall on the north side of Linebaugh in southern Carrollwood, and even though there is a sign for Franci's along the road, it is easy to blow right past the shopping center and miss this local favorite. The café is small, but don't let that fool you. Inside there are only 5 tables and a small counter with the steam tables, coffee machines, and the cashier. It is cramped, but the place is spotless, and the food is wonderful. Most of their business is carry-out, and they really cater to the local Latin community. Franci's is open 6 days a week from 7am till 5pm, and then closed on Sundays. Breakfast is the usual egg sandwiches on Cuban bread with your choice of bacon, ham, sausage or chorizo; scrambled or fired egg platters; omelets; Cuban toast; and then some serious wake-the-heck-up Cafe' con Leche. Super affordable prices -- everything is under $5!!! For lunch and dinner you have your choice of various Cuban sandwiches (pork, ham, fish, chicken, steak, and traditional Cubans), or make your selection from Franci's steam table entrees including the traditional roast pork, grilled chicken, palomilla steak, ropa vieja, and so on. Each entrée comes with two sides, and the cost is between $5 - $7.50. Sodas out of the cooler are $.90 each. She also has salads, soups, fried rice, arepas and croquetas with chicken or pork. If you're driving through southern Carrollwood and want to try a true Cuban café, then Franci's should be on your radar screen.

    Sam Q.

    What a gem! Cuban food lovers rejoice! Another small, authentic Cuban eatery. It's small, it's simple, and its authentic. If you are looking for a restaurant type experience, look elsewhere. However, if you enjoy authentic Latin food with real flavor served cafeteria style, this is a great spot. Open for breakfast, they have a best looking and tasting lunch line. The also have sandwiches, soups, and oddly fried rice and spaghetti. I've gotta ask about the origins of those two. There's probably a colorful story behind it. This is a hidden gem. If you appreciate the Latin culture and flavor, give Francis Cafe a visit.

    a plate of mexican food
    Glenn R.

    Excellent place for Cuban food. I had the ropa vieja with yellow rice with black beans and tostones on the top. Delicious!

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    My husband & I love their food, their service and location, it's our go to whenever we can make it before 4:00

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    7 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Good food for a good price. Staff is nice too. Location is convenient as well. Recommend.

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    4 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Love their Cuban sandwich. Good size and well priced. Staff is friendly and food is prepared in a reasonable time.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

    A little mom and pops place but the food is so good and the place is always clean. The staff is very friendly also!

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    9 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

    Awesome place to eat, everything was extremely good!! the food is to die for. The Flan is a must have, will definitely be coming back

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    9 years ago

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    9 years ago

    Amazing sandwiches especially their cuban and steak! This place has amazing service, they give you your moneys worth of food and more.

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    La Teresita Cafe

    La Teresita Cafe

    3.9(1.3k reviews)
    5.4 miWest Tampa
    $$

    Brought friends here for lunch and decided to try the milanesa today, with fries and yellow rice as…read moresides. Just as I expected, this place never disappoints. I've only had Argentinian-style milanesa before, and I can easily say I liked the Teresita style better. The marinara sauce on the milanesa brings enough acidity to cut through the grease from the fried meat -- the meat is thin and crispy, but not at all dry. The fries and yellow rice make the meal an absolute steal based on the amount of food you get. My friend had the fried fish, which looked delicious -- excited to try it myself next time. Will definitely be back to try more items on the menu!

    I really wanted this to be a home run, especially being in Tampa, where the Cuban sandwich was…read moreborn, But what I got instead was a foul ball. I ordered takeout at lunchtime expecting something fresh and satisfying. The Cuban sandwich was the biggest letdown. They try to get slick by loading you up with slices of ham while giving you very little pork, when the pork should be the star. I even left specific notes on the order: no salami and add mustard. Somehow, they still left a piece of salami in there and didn't put any mustard at all. A Cuban sandwich without mustard? I don't know. It was so bad I had to take both halves of the sandwich and move all the pork onto one side just to make it resemble something decent. There was one tiny slice of pickle. Don't take my word for it--check the pictures. That's why I always include them. The soup? It reminded me of Lipton soup. No knock if you like that, but this was basically Lipton soup with grease. As for the coffee, it was takeout coffee, so I can't even complain too much. I got it to wake me up, but honestly... after this meal, I should have just stayed sleeping. Overall, really disappointing given the expectations.

    Photos
    La Teresita Cafe
    La Teresita Cafe
    La Teresita Cafe - Where you go in

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    Where you go in

    La Segunda Central Bakery - Welcome to La Segunda!

    La Segunda Central Bakery

    4.3(691 reviews)
    7.3 miYbor City
    $$
    Hipster vibe
    Casual dining

    This place was packed Saturday around 11:30, but didn't take too long to get our food. This bakery…read morehas been here forever and by the amount of people and the amazing food, they will be there for much longer. We got the breakfast sandwich that was amazing, ham and cheese croquet, cinnamon rolls that was huge and the guava and cheese pastry. Very small inside. But everyone just shuffled to make room for each other.

    A while back while visiting Tampa, I had two foodie goals. One of them is to acquire Cuban pastries…read morefrom the 1915 La Segunda Bakery. They have four locations, and we went to the one in the Ybor City Historic District. La Segunda is an institution for Cuban bread and pastries, baking 18K loaves daily and ships nationwide via Goldbelly. Our niece's BF is Cuban, and he said buy anything with guava. In the box (see photo), we bought two each of guava flip (kind of a folded tart or empanada), guava turnover, and guava flip with cream cheese. All of them are delicious! I like the flaky guava turnovers the most even though they didn't survive the transportation across the country in my backpack as well as some of the others. Even though slightly crumbly, still yummy! I also bought butter cookies, sold by the pound. Those are relatively ordinary; I'll skip those in the future. Next time, we are carrying Cuban sandwiches home! I really wish I carried them home. I was having Cuban sandwich withdrawal. This location is older but functional; there isn't seating. Their customers know what they want, and everything moves FAST. If it's your visit (like it was for us), I suggest looking at the menu online to know what to order. The service is friendly, even though I can tell he was a bit exasperated that I didn't just yell out my order and I asked questions. I honestly don't fault him. Busy places have their own pace, and the customers are the ones to keep up. That's perfectly ok.

    Photos
    La Segunda Central Bakery - Cuban Sandwich

    Cuban Sandwich

    La Segunda Central Bakery - New York Style Cheesecake

    New York Style Cheesecake

    La Segunda Central Bakery - Rainbow Cake

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    Rainbow Cake

    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk - The Famous Cuban Sandwich

    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

    3.7(678 reviews)
    8.3 miDowntown Tampa
    $$

    I would put 3.5 if that was a choice. We had a reservation on Mother's Day. We were seated right…read moreaway. Waiter was nice and he refilled waters regularly. Had the homemade white sangria- very good. Cuban bread delicious. Split an order of empanadas- originally ordered the beef but they were out of that so we had the chicken- good. My husband had not been here before so he got a half and half of the Cuban sandwich and their 1905 salad and liked both. I got the Pollo Manchego and it was very good. My son's girlfriend got the Mahi-Mahi and enjoyed it. Only blemish was my son's meal. He ordered the Palomilla- steak was cold, burnt on the bottom. The server did replace it for him and the second one was better. My husband got the flan for dessert and liked it. I got the churros. They were not dusted with cinnamon sugar (as the description says) and they were out of the chocolate sauce so gave us 2 caramel sauce and 1 guava sauce. Overall it was good considering it was a very busy day for them and we went at 7pm. We will go again.

    Love the location in Ybor and wanted to finally check out this location. It's the perfect spot for…read moreif you're going to the aquarium, waiting to board a cruise ship, or even just walking along the river walk! Our waiter Ricky was awesome! Attentive, helpful, and happy to get us anything we needed. We always love their famous salad!! Highly, highly recommend!

    Photos
    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk
    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk - Columbia Columbia's Original"1905" Salad with "Shrimp Al Ajillo"

    Columbia Columbia's Original"1905" Salad with "Shrimp Al Ajillo"

    Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk - Patio

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    Patio

    Columbia Restaurant - Famous Salad

    Columbia Restaurant

    4.0(1.6k reviews)
    19.4 mi
    $$

    A trip to the Clearwater area isn't complete without a dinner at Columbia. It's always a treat to…read moredine here -- from the Cuban food to the ambiance to the service. Excellent! The food remains solid. We enjoyed the mahi mahi, the thin steak, and the Cuban sandwich. Plus, we also once again ordered the mojito pitcher. It's made table side -- though this time they did not add the rum in front of us. It always made us laugh when they poured a bottle of rum into the pitcher. When we asked, the waiter said the rum was already in the pitcher. That's the only bummer. Great restaurant that continues to deliver.

    This is just over the bridge from Clearwater Beach. Different cuisine and things to choose from…read more Tip: Parking is limited in the strip mall this is in. Suggest valet for $6 or a couple of trips around the lot to find a spot. We sat outside, which was enclosed and heated and your are right on the water. Super cool and great views. We started off with the toasted bread and butter and the devil crab croquet. Not a fan - full of crab but the flavors didn't sit well and really needed some type of sauce to pair with it - we only had hot sauce. The original salad - is a must we shared it across four. It's made table side has cheese and olives in it and was really good. We got ours with a side of shrimp. Main courses - Cuban - it's a classic sandwhich which we shared. Comes with fried plantains which were ok. Again would have been better with some kind of sauce to dip it in. Steak Salteado - good flavor l, was expecting thin sliced steak and it was more like stew meat. Paired with rice and was good. Palomilla - would be better as the sandwhich version. Again this one needed a sauce for dipping. Shrimp "Al Ajillo" - this is a must and the oil garlic mix is perfect for dipping you toasted bread.

    Photos
    Columbia Restaurant - Interior of Restaurant

    Interior of Restaurant

    Columbia Restaurant - Boliche criollo

    Boliche criollo

    Columbia Restaurant - Main dining room at Columbia Sand Key.

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    Main dining room at Columbia Sand Key.

    HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - El Cubano - Cuban Sandwish

    HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor

    3.4(132 reviews)
    5.4 miWest Tampa

    I had Havana 86 while I was in Tampa for work and ended up eating there twice because it was that…read moregood. The first night I ordered Uber Eats, and the food arrived well packed, hot, and fresh. I ordered the vaca frita with yellow rice and added sweet plantains. The steak was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and the rice paired perfectly with it. The sweet plantains were spot on, and I honestly devoured the entire meal. It was so good that I took my boss back for lunch in person. He ordered the classic Cubano sandwich, and it was done right -- the ham and pork were perfectly balanced, the bread was fresh, and it was grilled just right. We also shared the sampler platter, which was a great way to try a variety of their tapas and appetizers. Everything we tried was solid. I also ordered a guanábana shake, which was fresh and absolutely delicious -- a flavor I had never had before. I liked it so much that I ordered it two days in a row. If you're looking for authentic Cuban food in Tampa, I definitely recommend Havana 86. The prices were very reasonable for the area, the food was consistently great, and it's already become a new favorite of mine. I'll absolutely be back next time I'm in town.

    So let's get the simple statement out of the way... Mighty fine Cuban food…read more I typically love Ropa Vieja... I'm shocked that I didn't order it. I just wasn't in the mood. I was in the mood for a sandwich. But I wasn't in the mood for a Cuban... Oddly enough, I've never really been a big Cuban sandwich fan. Good thing I went with my wife and sister-in-law. Sister-in-law ordered the Ropa. Wife ordered the Cuban sandwich. I got the Lechon sandwich. The pictures speak for themselves. Large sandwiches come with delicious fries. You could definitely share the sandwich if you wanted to. The Ropa Vieja looked like a pretty small portion... It was bigger in reality. Not huge... Not La Teresita huge. The sandwiches are well priced... The Ropa was a little expensive. Service was great. Very kind staff. Tons of servers... Probably too many -- It's not that big of a restaurant. Restaurant is super cute, clean, and the tables are awesome -- Tons of those rounded booth tables. Very comfortable. Probably my only downside... I wouldn't expect the inside of the restaurant based on the outside. If this wasn't a recommendation from my sister-in-law... I would have driven right by. So, maybe you'll see this review and give this restaurant a chance. I would've never gone there if it wasn't for word-of-mouth.

    Photos
    HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Storefront

    Storefront

    HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - ARROZ FRITO - FRIED RICE Ox Tail with Black Beans & Rice

    ARROZ FRITO - FRIED RICE Ox Tail with Black Beans & Rice

    HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Outside Entrance

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    Outside Entrance

    Franci's Cafe - cuban - Updated May 2026

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