I don't even love Cuban food that much (yes, you can throw stones at me), but I was really impressed with their Cubanito Steak. Large portion for the price. One piece of the sandwich bread is slightly soggy and the other one is perfectly crunchy. And the meat, matchstick fries, cheese, etc. combination is heavenly. I'm a big condiment person, but I didn't add anything. I'm sad their ajiaco is only served in the winter, so I will have to come back for that. read more

El Cubanito - Menu! - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love this place. Coffee is the best and empanadas. Very friendly place. Been going here for years.

The Steak Cubanito is a must try ! The Cubano is great too, but is definitely outshined by the steak. Drench their awesome hot sauce on everything! Also, big props to their new interior. The tiny shack was classic and had character, but it is nice to be able to sit down at a table and eat. read more

Wow!!! Wow!!! Love this little sandwich place the woman who runs owns this place is so passionate about making great Cuban sandwiches they are to die for !!! The bread is awesome we ordered the Cuban steak sandwich with the shoestring french fries and the ham and chese as well as the guava and cheese pastel. I could visit this place everyday if it was closer to my home. Cheers!!! read more

El Cubanito - Ham and Cheese - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is bomb. I am new in the area and I crave el cubanitos ALL THE TIME. The steak cubanito is perfectly seasoned and toasted. The chicken empanada isn't all that great but the shrimp one and the cuban one is good. I'm gonna try all of them one day. Also the cafe con leche is to DIE FOR!!! Perfectly sweet with a nice layer of foam. I like my coffee black but this cafe con leche is a nice treat when I stop by. read more

A few years later and this place is even more amazing than before. They now have a massive dining area and everything is completed updated and modernized. The only downside is all the suburban/out-of-state gringos that have moved into the neighborhood after the Latino community did the hard work of building it up with vibrant culture. Oh well, guess we'll just have to revitalize the burbs read more

Easy to miss this shack-like location, save for the Cuban pride painted mural on the side. But I like it better that way. I'm greedy like that. $6 for a delicious steak sandwich and friendly service? C'mon! read more

I just left and for starters I need to mention the customer service is outstanding. The lady up front taking orders, was very welcoming, friendly and nice. Steak sandwich was very good. Cuban sandwich was ok. Chicken empanada(lady up front suggested) was tender and good. Beef empanada was ok and cheese and guava makes a good desert. Prices are right...good place to revisit:)) The shack has an island look and feel therefore, making the experience more enjoyable:) read more

I've been passing by just please for so many years and never went in so I decided to go In yesterday omg Their steak sandwiches are amazing this is what I've been missing All this time I'm kicking myself for not going in soon read more

OMG This place rocks! The staff is so friendly and helpful. As first times they gave us some empandas to try! They were wonderful! I had a neighbor who frequently made me homemade Cuban dishes that were wonderful, and I was so pleased with my order. I had the Cubanito steak sandwich and fries. My sister had the Cubano and it was wonderful also. If in Logan Square take the time to stop and enjoy El Cubanito!! You won't be sorry you did and you will want to add it to your list of frequent visits! read more

El Cubanito - The Counter at El Cubanito - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Ordered - Ropa Vieja Empanada (4/5) Chicken Empanda (5/5) Cubanito Steak Sandwich (3/5) The empanadas were very well done. A little hard to eat the Ropa Vieja one since the meat tends to stick together so you'll end up pulling out most of the filling on the first couple bites. But the flavor was great for both and the empanada was nicely fried. The sandwich reminded me of the cuban style lunch sandwiches with the thin fries included. The steak is more of a ground steak (think philly cheese). I wouldn't say remarkable, but very solid sandwich and generous in portion. I'm definitely looking forward to trying out some of their other sandwiches. A lot of seating, very clean inside and lots of free parking in the area. Great place! Glad I finally went. read more

Boyfriend took me to his family favorite spot for my first time a few months ago and ever since if im craving a Cuban sandwich or those really amazing empanadas then we go straight to El Cubanito! They have great service and its a locals spot which camouflages with its small looking outside and grand open space inside. Simply love their design and decor and the home vibe they give with the food, place, and service! read more

I love cubanito sandwiches!!! I love Cubano sandwich with a cafe con leche! Really smal lplace , so for me me it's just for pick up orders!!! read more

I had a "Sandwich Cubano" and it was excellent. Well balance flavors of the meats and not a lot of mustard , just perfect. The toasted bread could be eaten by itself. The coffee reminded me Miami. I would definitely come back . read more

El Cubanito - Sandwich Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best steak and Cuban sandwiches around, they moved to a large space next door to the original location and now has a nice dining area. The empanadas are also very good read more

Food is amaizing here. Must try their empanadas and steak sandwich.

There Cuban and steak empanadas are so good! The Cuban steak sandwich is my go to though with there hot sauce .

Have been coming here for years! Even before they remodeled it. I always order a steak sandwich, chicken empanada and a cortadito went in Saturday morning on 06/27/20. The empanada was dry first time ive ever encounter this and it was overpowered with alot of black pepper. The steak sandwich was the same, too much black pepper on it. And the Cortadito had a funny taste to it. I dont know if they have a new cook. Or something just wasnt right the day that i personally went in. But i was very disappointed. read more

One of my favorite sandwich shops , food never tasted so good on a Friday!! Yummy yummy read more

El Cubanito - Steak sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Authentic Cuban fast food , family own and price right. We been going for years ,love the new location. We recommenced. Delicioso amigos prueben-lo. read more

Being a coffee guru i stumbled into this place on a visit to logan square. All i have to say is amazing tje cooffe is at its best and what makes it even better is that its a local business the rustic decore is amazing the food outstanding and service is incredible. Having worked with different kinds of blends and cultivations of coffee from costa rican to ethiopian blends this is one of the best. The cafe arabe is aromatic and delicious. So if you happen to be in logan square around wrightwood and pulaski give el cubanito a try you will love it read more

El Cubanito - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Steak sandwiches pretty good, I might go back with my wife to have her taste, I would have given four stars if it was solely based on the empanadas. read more

El Cubanito - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Sandwich was good, like that the menu is simple also which is great, the empanadas was very good tasting also, will have to celebrate back to try the other sandwiches and empanadas and some of the coffee too! read more

I only eat empanadas from here. The best in town! I like 10 miles away (out south) and I always take the drive. The people there are always super friendly. They are willing to help with any questions u have. AND DID I MENTION THAT THEY HAVE THE BEDT HOT SAUCE??? It's seriously amazing. I'm one loyal customer read more

They had Malta India which made me VERY happy. Nice view from the bar seats of the street-great for people watching in the city! read more

El Cubanito - Ham, egg and cheese sandwich paired with amazing Malta India! You can't hear the music,but salsa is playing in the background. - Cuban Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cute , clean, and modern atmosphere with some remnants of classics. Food was decent (my bf had the steak sandwhich with fries and I had the cubano sandwhich with fries . A side of Madurros was also ordered along with coco Rico drinks (a lighter /less sweet version of cream soda). Parking can be a little tricky - there is a tiny parking lot on the side of the building that fits about less than 10 cars. May go again if we're craving for it. read more

Just drove by and notice license suspended for this little place, wonder why could it be the floor and some area are really dirty. 2-19-2017 read more

This place is so inviting! It was my first time here thanks to my sister's reccomendation. The guy who attended me was so pleasent. He didnt hesitate to share his favorite items on the menu and even gave me a free empanada because it was my first time! Love! read more

Honestly, it's a bit overrated. I get the impression that it might be "authentic" by Cuban standards, but all of their meats are dry for my tastes. I needed to smother everything in sauce to get some flavor and moisture in the sandwiches. Overall, I'd go check out Kerely's, which isn't too far away and I enjoyed much more. read more

Parking in rear or should I say side since it's a tiny take-out place with no space for a table but with a nice room for 2 persons to enjoy a sandwich in stools by the window. They take cards and orders over the phone. 1st time buyers get a free empanada with your order! The girl attending was very helpful answering all my questions About the menu: Try the "empanadas" for $2.50 u get a good taste in case you are in doubt about the sandwiches . "Pan with timba "is a great companion for the "cafe con leche" A highlight is the famous chicken sandwich or go for the steak and shoestring fries !! read more

Ordered the Cubanito Steak sandwich. It was decent. Although there was nothing spectacular about it. It has crunchy bread that is open around all sides. The shredded steak is dry and separates easily. As a result, most of the meat and contents of the sandwich fall off easily. No wonder they give you a fork with it. They put shoestring potato chips into the sandwich which I feel cheapens the sandwich. This place is overrated. Go to Cafecito for much better Cuban sandwiches. read more

This is what I get for allowing someone else to select where we would go for brunch--awesomely amazing food. El Cubanito is a Cuban sandwich shop that just opened in April, and is yet another find of my more internet savvy, foodie friend. He suggested we head there for brunch on a Sunday. I definitely missed the parking lot, and probably would have missed the restaurant entirely, had he not been watching for it. This place is tiny, with room for about 3-4 patrons, tops. Stools are along the side, if you're very insistent on eating there. The woman working the counter was sweet, enthusiastic and welcoming (she seemed more than willing to explain things and make suggestions). Even though it can take a fair amount of persuasion to get me to go for unfamiliar food, El Cubanito's menu is absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Nothing is spicy or off-putting, but rather, flavorful and delicious.. it's pretty much many of the same components you would find in American food, only assembled to be awesomer. A Cubano sandwich is a Cuban sandwich with sliced ham and pork and cheese and mustard and mayo that's served on french bread.. like a panini, only much more amazing. Seriously. It made me want to cry and hug my sandwich; it was so good. And only $3.75! The steak sandwich is also a pressed sandwich, teeming with beefy goodness, and topped with tomato, lettuce and shoestring potato bits, which made me ecstatic. And again, under 4 bucks!! For steak! Lastly, we ordered what I think was called the pan con timba, which was again, a panini style thing made with french bread, cheese.. and.. wait for it...... guava. Yeah, how's that for a twist? It was, as you might expect, amazing, and went splendidly with my cafe con leche. All of this for under 15 bucks for two hungry people? Done and done. I think they open and close early (hours from maybe 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m?), but definitely visit them when you can. If you'll go and visit Hot Dougs, you should definitely head the extra mile west to visit El Cubanito. read more

I am a vocal opponent of the Cuban Sandwich. For many reasons really but mostly because I live in Chicago not Miami and all the Cuban Sandwiches I have had were not really good. (I have tried a lot of the too!) Here in Chicago, I believed, we are simply not meant to make a good Cuban - Jibarito? Yes Tacos? Yes. Italian Beef, Hotdogs, Cheeseburgers? Yes, yes, yes! A whole list of great sandwiches are made here on the reg. Just not a good Cuban one. This was my belief until yesterday's lunch at El Cubanito. We live right around the corner from this place and I have been wanting to try it since we moved in (That rediculous hand painted "Que Rico!!!!!" did its job I guess). My girlfriend ordered the Cubanito and a bottle of water. I ordered the Steak sandwich and a Cafe con Leche. We traded halves of each sandwich so we could get a good samopling of both. The streak sandwich was great! served with lettuce, tomato, and crspy french fries on top of a bun. It was well seasoned without being over powering. The Cuban was easily the best I have ever had in Chicago. Hands down! It is served on a substantial piece of bread. Not too much mustard and the pickles were perfectly crunchy. The cheese was well melted and it was not greasy!! All in all I may be a convert to the Cuban sandwich after eating at this place. El Cubanito is decently priced, I paid 15 bucks for two big sandwiches and two drinks. The staff was real friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is lacking a bit, but that's not the reason to come here - You come here to eat Chicago's best Cuban Sandwich! read more

Really? So this is what all the fuss is about? Don't get me wrong. They do it right. The steak sandwich is good, but c'mon. And I never understood the Cubano sandwich. It's a freaking ham sandwich for chrissakes. (oh yeah, it has pork and pickles) You can make it at home for $1.50. Sometimes I get the sense that Yelpers are jumping on a bandwagon and/or have no culinary skills whatsoever to know how to make their own food. But seriously, I live pretty close to here, but I still don't think I'll be making a special trip for it. You aren't going for the atmosphere. Also the hours of operation are kind of a pain if you don't get here for lunch. El Rinconcito is closer and has more options and is about the same price. And it has a small dining room. So I'll go there when I get a taste for Cuban sandwiches. Not bad, but definitely not worth 5 stars. This isn't Hot Doug's. It does have that hole-in-the-wall charm to it though. read more

I've recently become a frequent customer and avid evangelist of El Cubanito. The ambience is warm with the infectiously positive and helpful staff. I love the family feel of the company and how other occasional family recipes appear in specials. I actually have yet to try one of the specials because I can't stop ordering the Cubanito. (Try this and definitely add the avocado!) read more

Yummy........Steak Con Todo Sandwich...is absolutely delicious...I tried the Cubano Sandwich too.... it was good (although it could not compete with the steak sandwich). Definitely going back to this place...Make sure you get to this place early cause they close at 5pm they have another location on Fullerton that stays open to 7pm. El Cubanito is a tiny little place.. jammed pack with people... but they have quick service and a convenient little parking lot on the side of the building. read more

Very affordable. I liked the Cubano sandwich but there are a few better options (e.g. Dario's in Palatine).

My niece who turned 17 today highly recommend this place as her favorite place to eat. So I will give 5 stars for the food but no fax or email to send over a big 14 party order. All orders had their custom needs, I ask the order taker to please number them as I called them over to them. Order 1, order 2, order 3 etc but in the end that was too hard to handle. Instead order taker insisted they would write the names on each sandwich; what it was (a lot harder and a lot more writing) then I got the pleasure to cipher the writing. Well if the wrong sandwich made it in the wrong box this didn't help. So at least 3 orders out of 14 got screwed up but when you a customer suggest something as easy as putting a number on it;!take their advice; it would have be so much easier then the customer ciphering what you wrote and then 3 were still wrong and no sauce for the empanadas we ordered:(. I eventually will have to give it another shot but it might be awhile. read more

Even after reading review after review about the beef sandwiches, I decided to go with a Cubano. Still very good. But the Timba is even better. Based on what I tasted, I'd go for that. read more

All I have to say is, Pan con Timba! The crusty bread with cheese and guava! Who would have ever thought that'd be an amazing mix? The salty from the cheese and the candied guava is a beautiful blend of flavors. It'll have you addicted! Despite it's odd location, the people are nice and the sandwiches are one of a kind. As much as I like Marianaos on Milwaukee...this places beats it by far. I got the ham and cheese here and it's double in size, twice the flavor and the same price! Please, yelpers, take a mini adventure and try the pan con timba and let me know how much you love it! read more