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    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    4.8 (17 reviews)
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    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita Photos

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    THE GNARLY CUBAN- LA VENTANITA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

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    Ropa Vieja Lil Havana Bowl
    Elizabeth M.

    Finally had a chance to stop by the Ventanita during my lunch break at work. I ordered the ropa vieja bowl and a side of croquetas. The bowl was a good portion size but I should've asked for it without the pico (which isn't traditionally found in Cuban dishes anyway). Also, I found the ropa vieja to be very dry and, without the sauce (that you have to pay extra for if you want more than that single tiny serving), wouldn't have been enjoyable. The flavor was good but the execution was poor. The croquetas were ham and they came as a set of 2 small little balls (the equivalent to one actual croqueta) for $6. No "ventanita" would charge $6 per croqueta. I'm all for supporting small businesses but the pricing here was astronomical and not justifiable.

    Rachel T.

    Stopped by for a quick snack and coffee. Ordered a Gnarly Cuban and Po-yo empanada. Both came out piping hot and so fresh. While both were good my favorite was the chicken- it was flavorful. To drink, I got the bottled cafecito which was good, but I think I would opt for a hot version next time. Service wasn't the fastest, but I appreciate the time that went in so we got the fresh empanadas. A bowl will be on the list for next time! Super cool to see more industrial spaces being used for local spots.

    JJ J.

    I wish I had pictures from La Ventanita from my many previous visits but this is the first time I've sampled a bunch of food so you'll just have to take my word for it, but the window is cute even if it feels sketchy driving up to this area like maybe you're in the wrong place--I promise you're not, and I promise you're gonna love the food! The owners are so friendly they always chat and say hello. Today I wasn't able to get over there so I used DoorDash and everything was perfectly packaged. My best advice--if you get the gnarly Cuban empanada make sure to bite a small tip off first to let the insides cool so you don't burn your mouth. You'll want to scarf it down, but don't-- you can thank me for saving the roof of your mouth and your tastebuds from burning off! They also have bottled iced cafecito, and you should definitely grab a pastelito, too!

    La ventana
    Torquiose W.

    Our run club meets at The Gnarly Cuban and it's become our little post-run ritual. The coffee is strong (but smooth). Good food, good vibes, good people!

    Exterior
    Jenn M.

    I was so excited to check out this new Cuban takeout window located off the beaten path in College Park. The online ordering system was super simple and I was notified when my food was ready via text.. I arrived at the walk up counter and they open the window and greeted me by name. The food was prepared perfectly and packaged in relatively environmentally friendly packaging (limited plastic). Most importantly, it was delicious! The croquettes were super moist and crispy and my chicken bowl was excellent. Loved the sweet plantain bits. I found there wasn't enough of the garlic sauce, but know that I can order extra containers next time for $.50 each. The only reason I can't give them five stars is because the hours are difficult for a working family. They're currently only open until 2 PM Wednesday through Sunday. I wish that they would add a few evenings too. Can't comment on ambience as I didn't go inside... I don't even know if you can. But the order window was clean and quick. Service was super fast and super kind and I was very impressed. I will be back to try other items from the menu!

    Andi P.

    Wow- 5 Stars for my favorite Cuban food in Orlando, now with an IRL location. The Gnarly Cuban has been a favorite pop-up and catering option for me for a while, but I had to try their new "ventanita" (little window) location in College Park. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. This Latin-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+ owned biz is one I inherently want to support, because the owners are so wonderful, but luckily for me, their Cuban food rivals my favorite food growing up in Miami. I got the Lil Havana Bowl with ropa vieja as my protein and my husband did the same but with jack fruit ropa vieja (veg). This bowl comes with white rice, black beans, sweet plantain bits, pico, cotija cheese, potato stix, and a garlic cilantro sauce. You can let them know if you want anything taken off as they build your bowl to order. The bowls were ON POINT. The flavors were savory, with sweet bursts coming from the plantain bits and acidic bites with the pico. And don't get me started on how much my Miami heart loved the potato stix. We also got two guava and cheese pastelitos (they're small, so this is the standard order, but you can order more) and the budín de pan (bread pudding). All were devoured in seconds. Truly delicious. They have convenient parking out front, a window where you order, and plenty of picnic table seating with Cuban music serenading you from speakers. This is minutes from the heart of College Park, and right by my favorite local vintage furniture shop, Warehaus, as well as Good Fills next door (where you can get environmentally friendly, locally-made detergents, cleaners, etc.

    Rum cake, with light pumpkin spice, delicious.
    Deborah B.

    I'm so happy I found this ventanita, small window, with their delicious treats. I ordered a Cuban empanada with the lightest crust that mysteriously was firm enough to hold all the delicious fillings, while still being tender. How do they do that?!? My favorite empanada crust ever. Light & lets the fillings shine. The Jupiña pineapple soda is always a treat for me. I enjoyed the rum cake, cupcake sized but with better presentation, cute paper container (fancy) & crumbled topping garnish. Take out quick food with a gourmet touch. Minimal plastic, I saw a lot of natural paper containers. Friendliest ambience. I could talk by that window all day. Across the street in that quiet corner is good fills (low waste essentials). Look for both of them at community markets around Audubon Park.

    Walk up window.

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    4 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Great food! Loved the ham/egg/cheese empanadas! Super friendly, and excellent customer service! Highly recommend!

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    11 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Finally a great Cuban spot in Orlando! Service and food were excellent. Will definitely be back

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    Empanada

    Empanada

    4.5(20 reviews)
    11.4 mi•Horizons West / West Orlando

    Empanada and Co is located inside Plant Street Market in Downtown Winter Garden. They are a small…read morestand serving a few different empanadas. I believe their selection will change from day to day since they hand write their options. The last time I was there they had about 5 different versions. These are fantastic empanadas and ones I will get each and every time I visit Plant Street. My only complaint (and its not even a real compliant) is I wish they had some sides to go with the empanadas, like maybe plantains or a sweet empanada, and then a sauce to dip them in. But besides that I really cannot complain, these are great and very good. The last time my wife and I visit we decided to try 2 and share them. We chose the chicken and cheese as well as the Cuban. Both were really good and super tasty, and both we agreed we would order again. They were crispy for sitting in a warming oven, it was surprising how crispy they were. The chicken and cheese was chopped chicken mixed with some melty cheese. The Cuban was fantastic, and was chopped pork with cheese, a hint of mustard and even had pieces of pickles inside. Their empanadas are also baked, not fried, which I personally prefer. However, it was still crunchy and crispy. My only issue with ordering different ones is they were not labled. She put both in one bag so we had no idea which was which. Not the best for allergy issues or preferences, but we didn't really care, since we were trying both. Overall these are fantastic empanadas. This is a spot I would continue to visit every time I am at Plant Street. I look forward to trying all their different flavors. I highly recommend trying these empanadas next time you are at Plant Street. ACES!

    Empanada and Co is located inside Plant Street Market and is what it sounds like, an empanada…read morestand. They have a small stand inside the market and serve about 6-ish different empanadas. Let me first say, they are absolutely delicious. The only reason I gave them a 4 is because they only sell empanadas and only have a few options. I have been to other empanada places and their options are massive. I would love to see more available here, maybe it's on a rotation, I'm not sure. They also did not have any dips for them. For the two we ordered I think a garlic style dip would have gone well. We decided to try the chicken and cheese as well as the Cuban. Again, they were fantastic! The chicken and cheese was chopped chicken and very good. I did not really taste cheese so it must have been mixed in. The Cuban was fantastic, it had pieces of pickles inside as well. This one would have been great with a mustard type dip to complete the Cuban sandwich flavor. But we would order both again and again. Their empanadas are also baked, not fried. I do prefer a fried but these were good. My only other issue was they were not labeled, she put both in one bag so we did not know which was which. The flavors were similar at first so it was hard to tell. It really was not until we tasted the pickle that we knew which was which. Overall these are fantastic tasting empanadas, and this from someone who prefers them fried. The person working was not the most friendly, and reading other's reviews, they must have had sauces and we were just not offered. We will however, continue to visit ever time we head to Plant Street. It is such a simple dish, easy to carry around Plant Street and just really good. I would recommend checking it out especially when you are at Plant Street.

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    Empanada - Empanadas

    Empanadas

    Empanada - Outside

    Outside

    Empanada - Counter

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    Counter

    Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar

    Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar

    4.5(659 reviews)
    2.6 mi•Downtown / Central Business District / CBD
    •$$

    I've been coming to Super Rico for YEARS now after a friend of mine introduced me to them one night…read moreafter a night of bar-hopping (back when night life in DTO was a vibe pre-pandemic). The food has always been GREAT. The service and staff have always been great. They are not overly priced and they offer a good amount of food for what it is you are paying for. Flavor profiles are great. I am creature of habit, so I get my usuals when I order here. Among those usuals include the yuca fries, beef empanadas, guava and cheese empanada (when I want something sweet), the plantains, the tostadas, and I also enjoy their bowls. I've never had their burgers or some of their other platters, but I know those that have and they have yet to be disappointed. Being that Super Rico is located on the ground level of the parking garage my job uses, it is a restaurant I frequent. They are pretty quaint inside with limited seating, but they do have a good amount of outdoor seating with covered umbrellas. So, as long as the summer rain isn't too heavy, it is usually quite nice sitting outside to eat. They will also set up screens outdoors when there are major games, like they did for the World Cup. So, if you're ever looking for a spot to watch sports, they definitely do accommodate.

    Wow this hot dog was so good. Cured my yearn for a hot dog. Filling but not heavy. I would get this…read moredog every time I went to the stadium.

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    Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar - My fave place

    My fave place

    Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar
    Super Rico Colombian Restaurant & Bar - Steak Rico Bowl

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    Steak Rico Bowl

    Argentinian Bakery

    Argentinian Bakery

    5.0(53 reviews)
    10.7 mi

    One of my coworkers recommended this bakery to me, saying they had the best dulce de leche…read morepastries. There is a bit of a language barrier but the owner was very sweet and helpful when describing her baked goods; they also have dine in options, as well a sandwiches! The empanada dough was perfectly crisp and light, with a slight saltiness to it, which helped to enhance the fillings flavor; my favorite was the beef empanada (i forgot to take a picture ). The flavor wasnt heavy tasting which I loved alot. I wanted to like the spinach one as much as the beef one, but it did lack the savory punch I was looking for. The guava pastry kind of reminded me of the chinese sugar donuts just with lotss of guava filling in it; super delicious and not too sweet! The dulce de leche was the yummiest pastry I had; its not like other dulce de leches where it just tastes heavily of condensed milk. This was so light and fluffy.

    Holy cow...stopped here on a whim and I ordered half a dozen assorted pastries. Some had guava and…read morecream cheese and the remaining were dulce de leche. I cannot get over how delicious they were -- I will be thinking about them all week lol. Most importantly, the staff could not have been kinder. I'm sick of trying to support businesses that don't care about the customer -- this wasn't it. The gentleman who helped explain what I was ordering and answered all my questions was SO kind. I've already told two people about them and will come back again in the future.

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    Argentinian Bakery
    Argentinian Bakery - Box filled with delicious pastries

    Box filled with delicious pastries

    Argentinian Bakery

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    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita - cuban - Updated September 2026

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