22 Cuban sandwiches in Tampa Bay you should’ve tried by now

Once known as the "mixto," the Cuban sandwich was born right here in Tampa with the melding of flavors from Cuban, Spanish, Sicilian, German and Jewish immigrants. Okay, okay, Miami has their own claim to the iconic sandwich (sans salami, that is). Wherever it's from and whatever your stance is on salami, Tampa Bay is chock-full of Cubans from the traditional to the creative.

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The Columbia

2117 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-4961
The saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” fits neatly with The Columbia’s love of Tampa history as well as its approach to the Cuban sandwich. Made with fresh bread from La Segunda, The Columbia still uses the original 1915 recipe of restaurant founder, Casimiro Hernandez, Sr.

Photo via @columbiarestaurant/Instagram

Aguila Sandwich Shop

3200 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-876-4022
This hold-in-the-wall sandwich shop is one of Tampa’s hidden gems. The sandwich comes in sizes small, medium and large, but if you want salami, you have to ask. Tampa-style Cuban sandwich lovers, or as some insist, OG Cuban sandwich lovers know that salami is a must.

Photo via Aguila Sandwich Shop/Facebook

Deviled Pig

3307 S. Dale Mabry HWY, Tampa, 813-766-1188
With award-winning barbecue pitmaster Lee Ann Whippen at the helm, you know you’re in for something good. If you’re looking at the menu now, no, we aren’t crazy. There may not be a “Cuban” sandwich listed on the menu, but check out the Pitmaster Queban. This BBQ spin on the beloved sandwich, featuring slow smoked brisket, compart duroc pulled pork, and smokehouse bologna with Swiss cheese and pickles, is a must-try.

Photo via @Deviledpig/Instagram

Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli

2930 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport, 727-873-6901
So you went vegan, but here you are, looking at a list of the best Cuban sandwiches in town. Don’t worry, we see you. Golden Dinosaurs’ all-vegan menu caters to the Cuban lover in you with their cruelty-free, plant-powered riff on ingredients like mojo pork, cheese and mayo.

Photo via Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli/Facebook

Bodega

1120 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942
Bodega’s dedication to fresh, Latin-inspired street food doesn’t waver when it comes to the classics. Bodega’s Cuban sandwich features the standard spread for a Miami-style Cuban: roast pork, ham, swiss, pickles and mayo, aka no salami.

Photo via @eatatbodega/Instagram

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