I've been going here since it was still on Bearss Avenue. The atmosphere is quirky and funny (read the signs!) and the food is delicious. Berta is super sharp and don't be surprised if she remembers your orders... even if years have passed. I love their Cubans and their heavenly roast beef sandwiches. read more

I have been eating at this place since it was in the previous location 30 years ago. Bertha, the owner is sharp as a tack and makes a great sandwich. This is one of Tampa's great secrets. Try the meatloaf! Read the signs! Samuel S. Morgan read more

I live in the suburbs (don't judge) so when I get the chance to not eat chain restaurant blah food, I grab it. Bearss sandwiches is not far from a certain health complex and it's nothing fancy when you get there, but you'll feel like you went back in time, in a good way. Local people, friendly service with a sense of humor, and an absolutely delicious Ruben sandwich were my reward for finding this place. I'll be back, though I have to drive over 30 minutes to get there. Five stars! read more

Weird vibe and customer service. old lady in there was rude and every question i asked she acted like i was dumb

I send my children inside to purchase drinks the Older women is very rude and disrespectful No home Training at all no one's kids deserve to be treated in this manner especially when people are there spending their hard earned money . read more

First time trying and Cuban sandwich was delicious and homemade potato salad was great too! I will be back!

The Cuban sandwich is great and so is the potato salad!!! I've always passed by this place and never gone in I am so happy I finally did really is the best Cuban ! read more

So tough rating. Lets start here Potato Salad-- HANDS DOWN, THE BEST IVE EVER Had!!!!! If you like pickle/mustard type,, this is outrageous!!! The sandwiches were just ok. My first time there but couple of things I don't understand. The first was Mayo on my pastrami sandwich and the next was lettuce and tomato on my Cuban. Will definitely be going back for more potato salad, and try different sandwiches. read more

If the great signs everywhere don't put a smile on your face, then meeting the woman behind all the signs (and the amazing food) will definitely leave you laughing and smiling. Berta is a (positive) force to be reckoned with. She has so much personality and love in her heart... and she packs all of that into every bite of food that you will eat. Everything here is terrific, but if you can only have one thing, try the Cuban. You will not be disappointed. And then have some flan for dessert and leave happy! If you want your Cuban "tricked out", try her Brazil Cariocca. It's got Oregano but "not the marijuana," according to Berta All the deli meats are top shelf and the bread is always tasty and fresh, and you can tell daily I have been coming here for over a decade and so ashamed of myself that I have waited so long to give proper recognition to this superior establishment of food, humor and love. read more

See all

While the Cuban does not have as much roast pork as I would expect, it is an excellent sandwich that has become a favorite of my family. It is stuffed with an incredible amount of ham which is makes them very filling. read more

This sandwich is a historic sandwich store. Many my friends gave god review here. As a result, I have bookmarked this place 4 years ago. I am happy to be here. I have the Cuban sandwich. It was great the sandwich was prepared very fast. I do ask the sandwich to be toasted. After first bite, I think the whole sandwich is sour compared to most of the Cuban sandwich I have. I think the pickle was put there with the pickle sauce was dip into it. The sandwich did not has the mojo pork. Not sure which version of Cuban sandwich is this. I would is Americano sandwich not Cuban. read more

Bearss Sandwiches - Cuban sandwich - Sandwiches Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I've been coming here since I was a child, I love these people. They never fail to make me laugh. Stay blessed as always bearss sandwich shop! read more

I have heard about this place on several occasions and was in the area, so decided to try it. It's a typical hole-in-the-wall place. Lots of handwritten signs and no real clear instructions on how/where to order or pay. I finally figured out where to order and where to pay, so placed an order for a chicken salad sandwich on Cuban bread. I asked for no extra mayo and no tomatoes, (confirmed three times with the girl making sandwiches). $9 and change for a sandwich and a coke in this area was a bit steeper than anticipated, but I paid and took my sandwich to go. Got to the car, opened the bag, opened the sandwich and much to my dismay, the sandwich had extra mayo and tomatoes on it. Was I being punked? Who knows. What I do know, is I probably won't be going back. The sandwich was good, but not THAT good. Look elsewhere where they can follow directions. read more

If you find yourself in the area and are looking for a fantastic sandwich shop, this is where you want to be. I have been eating sandwiches from Bearss sandwich shop for over 37 years. I grew up in the neighborhood with the original store before they moved. The quality has never changed and everything on the menu is delicious.Berta makes an amazingly unique potato salad. That is a must try. I can never pass it up when I'm in the area. read more

See all

Cuban-amazing! Turkey on pump-amazing! Deviled crab-amazing Been coming here since I was a little girl. read more

Have you ever seen the TV show Once Upon a Time? The show takes fables we heard as children and spins them in completely different ways, where heroes become villains and villains can become heroes. Well for me, Bearss was like Once Upon a Time's version of Hansel and Gretal, with the owner as a nice trickster instead of an evil witch. Sandwiches here are the real deal. While their menu is not huge, what they do the do very well. My friend had a Cuban while I had the Brazilian and both of them were FANTASTIC. They had a few options for potato salad and chips, but we opted for straight sandwiches which were more than enough to fill us up. The reason I refers to the owner as a trickster, is she has a sassy way of serving you, always making jokes and saying funny things. And she has funny signs displayed all over, including the restroom. Ask her for hot sauce and she may exclaim, "What, you cannot get up and get it yourself?", as she brings it to you. Ask for more drink and here here say, "You think you get this for free" as she pours it. She clearly is having fun with you and probably more fun herself. The dining room is spartan, sides are spartan, but it certainly is fun and the sandwiches are excellent. read more

See all

Disclaimer: I usually really, really, really do not like sandwiches. The Cuban sandwich @ Marino's on Broadway is the only sandwich I've ever liked (loved, actually). So I was leery to stop in here, but I wanted to show support for a longstanding small business during such a difficult time. In business close to FOUR DECADES, Bearss Sandwiches first opened its doors in 1982. In 1983, Berta joined the staff, & is a staple here today. It's doubtful you'll meet a friendlier woman. She definitely brightens a room! This is a Mom & Pop sandwich shop w/ small town values & charm-- along w/ LOTS of humor. Nineteen years ago it moved to this location after selling its lot to CVS. The name remained & has been going strong ever since. While I waited, two regulars dropped in to pick up orders; everyone was on a first name basis. I didn't hold out much hope I'd like any sandwich from here, but BOY was I mistaken! I decided to try the Meatloaf on Cuban bread after reading the funny mention of how much Berta "loves" to slave over the meatloaf. I had it prepared "all the way," which meant w/ mayo, mustard, onion, lettuce, cheese, & tomato. And I requested it be pressed. WOW! What a GREAT sandwich! Everything about it was fantastic, especially the Cuban bread & the meatloaf. I also ordered a side of potato salad. It was OK, but I'm not a fan of dill, & it was heavy on the dill. (My neighbor is enjoying it.) I've since been told the stuffed potatoes are exquisite! There's an obvious reason this 38-year-old sandwich shoppe has such excellent reviews. It's REALLY good! And a really good neighborhood staple (including Berta) is a rarity these days. read more

See all

Okay food, I wouldn't go back, I think basic sandwich chains do a better job, especially for the price. I wanted to like it, but I really didn't. read more

It's a charming little sandwich shop. There's lots of witticisms written on the white boards stating how things are gonna be, which is the way Berta says. I had a nice Turkey sub there. Nothing fancy but tasty and not overpriced. I want to try their Cuban and see if it gets another star added. read more

When we walked in, were the only people there, and it was not welcoming. The ambiance is confusing with lots of statements about the owner. Greek salad was not like any greek salad I have every eaten. Yuck. read more

Why 4 stars? Because it's a solid option for a sandwich in the Lake Magdalene area. --- --- --- I've driven past Bearss Sandwiches a few times, but my ever-loving affair with sandwiches just couldn't keep me away any longer. My curiosity won out and I had to stop in! I opted for the Brazilian sandwich, which was essentially a modified Cuban. I asked the guy behind the counter what was different about it from a regular Cuban, and I think he said something about yellow cheese, but it was kind of difficult to hear him. From what I kinda/sorta heard, nothing raised a red flag, so I was sold. I also opted for a side of mashed potatoes over chips, as the chip selection was pretty basic. To tell you truth, the food was the definition of 3.5-stars - above average, but I don't know that I'd go out of my way to come here on a regular basis. However, I rounded up to 4-stars for the funny signs posted all over the food prep area. I won't do them justice - you'll have to see them for yourself... or at least peep those Yelp pictures :) Bearss Sandwiches is the prototypical small business that I really enjoy supporting and would have never known about if it weren't for Yelp! read more

i really enjoyed bearss sandwiches. we were appreciative of the banter with employees and all their accommodations we made for our veggie subs. read more

Sandwiches are great but Berta needs to change her gloves more often. I watched her come in from outside touching the door handle, go to the back of the restaurant carrying some sort of items in a box, come to the cash register and handle cash and credit cards, then go to cut and press sandwiches all while wearing the same gloves. read more

On my mission to get an egg sandwich, my friend Gato found this place while I napped in the car. Now they do have a ham and egg sandwich, but as soon as I saw the other options, I couldn't help but change my mind and leave my egg craving behind. Now first off you have to read all of their signs, the are hysterical and beyond creative and rather inspirational when trying to decide what to order. Between Gato, Jorge and I we ordered the Ruben, the meatloaf, the roast beef and the Brazilian ( I am going to say Karaoke) sandwich. I also ordered the deviled crab. My Ruben was on Rye bread and it was everything I expected (Thank you Berta!) With hearty amount of meat, sauerkraut and sauce I inhaled that and thought silly me craving breakfast lol this was the way to go. The Brazilian on the onion bread was also one of my favs! The onion bread is a must! Now with the meatloaf sandwich, be prepared, because it is not your typical meatloaf. It is thinly sliced, which is great because its not as heavy as a normal slice of meatloaf. The staff and Berta of course were great! The young men behind the counter were swift in making our orders. Oh and be prepared most all of the awesomeness served there created by Berta. Nice little gem on the west side of Florida. read more

See all

So many years Iv been living down the street from this gem and I finally went it because my husband wanted to try it. He loves Cubans and has been wanting to find a good one near by, found it! I'm not a big fan of Cubans but this was so tasty. He had the Cuban and I had the Brazilian LOVED IT! also had a side of macaroni salad and was not disappointed! Light and tasty, did NOT make me feel gross after like some do. The shop is a simple hole in the wall but the owner is a hoot! Such a sweetheart and witty since of humor my fav! Place has heart and you can tell in the food. Definitely worth checking out. read more

See all

I'm giving this place five stars because every meal comes with a very healthy dose of Berta. The lady who runs this place is the sharpest, most outlandishly sarcastic person I've ever encountered in the service industry and frankly, my entire life. Bring your "A game" and try to keep up! You need to be ready for this because just blundering in here and ordering like you are at Subway or something... Believe me, you will be diced and pressed before your sandwich! The whole experience was hilarious, as we bantered back and forth for ten minutes while she cranked out four pressed sandwiches for our lunch and dinner. Plus, we also tried the solid homemade flan which was a very reasonable $3 and quite yummy. The sandwiches were good enough but the extra helpings of sarcasm is what made the meal for us! read more

Best local sandwich shop hands down! Greek salad had a ton of Mac salad, just how I like it! My favorite was the pastrami on rye, that was devoured in about 3 bites. Staff is friendly and restaurant is clean. A+ read more

See all

Confusing ordering experience, long wait and you have no idea what you're paying until the end. I think I'll go to the Cuban sandwich shop further down Florida ave next time . Sandwich was okay. I just don't get why they can't have everything on one menu with prices. read more

I've lived in Tampa my entire life, but just recently moved down the street from Bearss Sandwiches. Since first having it on Saturday I've been here twice this week... and it's only Tuesday. This place is amazing! The family who owns it are wonderful people who love feeding their community, and have a great sense of humor. I highly recommend the roast beef! *chefs kiss* read more

Bearss Sandwiches - 2 Roast beef on Cuban bread pressed, and stuffed potato - Sandwiches Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

Was hopeful based on the ratings. But when I walked in and saw both of the employees who were making the sandwiches not wearing food prep gloves, I turned around and walked out. The staff member grating cheese had gloves on, but the other two, did not. That's just unsanitary. Put gloves on if you are physically touching a customer's food, especially if it's food items to create sandwiches. A person could have a cut on their hand or finger, so this is just unsafe food handling practice. read more

If you haven't visited this Sandwhich Shop you are missing out. This is our favorite place for Cubans, salads and deviled crabs. The sandwiches are filled with traditional meats and toppings but you can order as you like. ( I like mine pressed). Berta is a joy and will quip abd joke to make you welcome. The deviled crabs are full of meat and served hot and fresh. Her Greek salad is my very favorite, lots of peppers, cheese and potato salad. You can call ahead and she does great trays for parties. Give it a try , you will be happy you did. read more

First, If you are local and come here often, this review is not for you. Second, if you are not local and are looking for a great place to get a special sandwich, this review is for you. Bearss Sandwiches is a quirky shop that doesn't seem to do anything that warrants you going out of your way to find this place. I found this place as I was bored and looking for a great Cuban sandwich. I came during lunch time and I was 4th in line and a line was also building behind me. As I waited 15 minutes just to place my order, I watched the lady and her grandson (her words) interact with the customers. It is clear that she is a quirky woman who likes to interact with the customers. I paid no attention to it as she obviously had a long standing relationship with many of the customers. While I was there, there were only two people making sandwiches and it was very slow. In my opinion it is slow because of the back and forth chit-chat with the customers. This to me seemed to really slow production to a crawl. I ordered a cuban and told the guy twice that I didn't want mayo, tomatoes or lettuce. Because he was talking to other customers he forgot what he was doing and put mayo on my sandwich, so I interrupted the conversation he was having to remind him I didn't want mayo. After making my sandwich it came time to press it. They only appear to have one press so initially my sandwich was the only one in the press, then as he finished another sandwich, he popped that into the press with mine. This was problematic because my sandwich was no longer being pressed because it was not making contact with the top of the press due to the newer sandwich. When I got my sandwich it wasn't toasted well, but at this point I've been waiting about 20 minutes. The cuban had ham, roasted pork and salami. Salami is a Tampa thing apparently. There was a lot of ham on the sandwich in comparison to the one slice of salami and roasted pork, which is kind of the norm. It was edible, but not worth coming to this place if you are a tourist. In the end, this place is fine for locals looking for a sandwich, but if you are searching for a place to get an epic sandwich, this isn't the place. This shop is slow and ordinary and not worth going out of your way to find. read more

Bearss Sandwiches - The roasted pork on this sandwich is almost non-existent. - Sandwiches Near Me - Tampa, Florida

See all

I'd give Berta and her fam five stars all day long. Good honest food served with a slice of friendly sass. This is my go-to place for the classic Tampa pressed Cuban sammich. They have mastered ensuring that the freshness of the ingredients survive the press, yet giving the bread a delicious crispyness. In terms of atmosphere, this place defines neighborhood sandwich shop. There is nothing pretentious here. The customers are all normal working folk who have all been coming here for years. read more

Oh boy where do I even start?... Okay let's just start with the fact I came here because of a 5 star rating. People come to Yelp for a real review before trying a place right? Guess I'll be the the first to step up. I walk in first time here of course I'm looking over the "menu" I constantly get asked what do you want?? keep in mind I'm the only one in the place. I'm so rushed and confused I just go with a Radom Cuban sandwich. As far as the sandwich it was just okay nothing special. What really bothered me here was the fact they make your sandwich no gloves. Umm.. I'm sorry but I thought wearing gloves was a given. There's bad jokes by the menu such as store rules don't complain we won't listen and my favorite don't tell the health department anything. Not funny just lame and unprofessional. To make things worse even though I didn't really have a good visit I still made it a point to say thanks guys as I walk out. I get eye contact with no reply back.. Not trying to beat these guys up I really wanted to like them but I'm here to give the truth. I may try them again in the future but not going back anytime soon. read more

See all

Bearss Sandwiches is a great local sandwich shop and deli on Florida Avenue, just north of Fletcher. It's tucked into the middle of a non-descript shopping plaza, without much obvious signage, so it's easy to miss the place if you're not following your GPS. Ask anyone who's been to Bearss what they think of the food, and the first thing they'll mention is Berta. She runs the place, and she has this infectious, snarky sense of humor which I dearly love. Berta's sarcasm is evidenced on all of the handwritten little signs around the counter area which say things like, "Don't tell the Health Department anything" and "After ?? years, we now can add pork to your Cuban sandwich for a small fee. It won't speak Spanish, but Berta can do that. Just make her mad!" She saw me taking pictures of the inside of the restaurant, and some of the signs, and she said to me, "Don't take pictures of all that -- take a picture of ME!!!" Oh yes, this was going to be a legendary meal.....if I can just stop laughing. I ordered a regular 7" pressed Cuban which was sliced ham and sliced pork, with mayo, mustard, cheese, pickles, tomatoes, and lettuce. Anything else was extra.....Extra meat, extra dressing, hot peppers, banana peppers....."Hey, we need the money!" This sandwich might not please the Cuban sandwich perfectionists, but I thought that it was a darned good meal for less than $6. Bearss Sandwiches offers a wide variety of deli sandwiches, and homemade specialties like meatloaf, BBQ beef, Brazilian Cariocca, and chicken cordon bleu. Berta makes her own version of a Greek salad, along with deviled crabs, stuffed baked potatoes, and other types of entrée salads. She has a Diet Plate, and proudly proclaims "There ain't nothing diet about it". As I was artfully arranging my Cuban sandwich to take a photo, Berta said, "Don't worry, everything is between the bread, and if not you come tell me!". Now how can you argue with logic like that? Go there, have a wonderful sandwich, and a great laugh with Berta. You'll be back! read more

See all

I was in the area picking up a birthday cake and passed this establishment on the way. Decided to stop in and see if they had a breakfast sandwich. Immediately after walking in you can tell that's it's family owned with the homey, modest touches. I must've walked in when they just opened as there was no one in the place upon entering. Came in and asked the older woman at the counter if they have breakfast sandwiches, older lady pointed at menu and said "that's what we have on there before I could finish asking my question". At that point I could tell she spoke predominantly Spanish.I wasn't sure if she even heard my entire question. I asked again, she responded annoyed, "we don't make breakfast here" I ended up leaving, believing that the conversation wasn't going anywhere, as she did not share what they did have available, just pointed at the menu. Rude service, will never be back. read more

Food is consistently good. Berta is a special lady she has a sense of humor, gladly makes sandwiches your way!

Great sandwiches, and excellent, but irreverent atmosphere. The Bearss Sandwich shop has been in my regular rotation since we moved to Carrollwood in 1997, and they consistently have excellent food. Be warned they will taunt everyone who walks in the door. The Brazil Cariocca is a very good sandwich that is not found anywhere else locally that I know of and is worth trying. I learned of co-owner Jerry's passing, and that is a great loss. He was a funny, spirited, and caring person. His wife and the rest of the staff are carrying on in running the shop without missing a step though. read more

Bearss Sandwiches - Sandwiches Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Help support local small business & eat some Tasty Cuban food. Place has been around for as long as I can remember. The Owners are nice people. Funny too. The Cuban sandwiches with pork & devil crabs are excellent. read more

Stopped in for a quick bite- honestly wasn't expecting much considering the less than picturesque area this place is located, but man is it good. I got the chicken salad sandwich and it was prepared right in front of me. Absolutely delicious, fresh ingredients. It is a little confusing in terms of knowing where to order because everyone else seems to be a regular who's been there a thousand times and is just there chatting with the owner; the employees don't seem to be super keen on great customer service but honestly , it's no big deal and it's kinda nice to see such a chill neighborhood spot. It's clearly been around for a while and it's clear why. read more