Avoid this place. The owner is a rude, unkind lady, with tasteless humor. Sandwiches are good, not great. I would still avoid going over the uncomfortable environment that the owner creates. Pass this place up. read more

Great service great reccomondations. The ham and cheese empanada was fantastic. It was very cheap and large portions with the sides.

I've been going there since they had that one little tiny location next door they're the best

Simply THE BEST!!! Awesome Ajiaco criollo (chicken soup)!!! Annoying the guy selling movies in there. The pace is small enough to have him there taking room. read more

I came and tried the steak sandwich and the egg and steak sandwich. It is very different from other cuban steak sandwiches cause they shred the beef. It is like a philly cheese steak...cuban style. It had mustard, lettuce, and cheese. My bread was pretty toasted. I've never been a fan of toasted bread cause it cuts up my mouth, so I'm pretty sensitive to when it is a little over toasted like this one. The egg one is basically the same as above with egg. I didn't hate the place, but I'll probably never go back mainly cause my wife really didn't like em =-0 read more

I personally have to admit that I don't really care for Cubano's. I do like ham but I am NOT in love with it. Although, the Cubano's at El Cubanito are definitely descent. I prefer to order their steak sandwich along with some Arroz con leche for dessert. I really like how they cut up the steak sandwich meat into tiny little pieces... it makes it so easy to eat. This place is always super busy when I go and I can certainly understand why. Everyone that I know that goes there is obsessed with their Cubano's. Definitely good stuff! read more

Since the day this spot opened I have a been a fan. The couple who run this place, are absolutely a delight! But their steak sandwiches are NO JOKE! They just get it right.. they're over sized, over stuffed with juicy steak, crunchy string friends, cheese, lettuce and tmto.. After moving to NYC, I still make it a point to always visit them whenever I'm in town. Yes, their food speaks for itself, but its refreshing to be served by business owners who love what they do, are always friendly and willing to go above and beyond to make sure you're satisfied. Also- their empanadas are def worth trying as an appetizer! ;) read more

This place is not bad at all I like their cuban and their cafe con Leche

The steak sandwich is SO good! But you have to eat it with the hot sauce. The hot sauce is like liquid crack, and makes the sandwich an amazingly delicious experience. read more

Wow. Talk about a hidden gem! The Cubano was super crispy and good. The cafe con leche is perfect. And the steak and cheese empanada. Oh that empanada. It'll keep me up at night longing for another! read more

I saw El Cubanito on Chicago's Best a while back and since it was close to my house at the time, decided to try it. I've now been a dedicated customer for 2 years and go there so often that the register guy recognizes me. There is always ample street parking nearby and their new dining space is great. Prior to that, it was very crowded and no room to stay and eat. Their Cubano and Steak sandwiches are amazing. You really get a lot for your money. My current obsession is their Steak Empanadas. Two empanadas = a perfect lunch in my world. My latest discovery is their Cafe Con Leche. It's the best Cafe Con Leche I've had. If you haven't tried El Cubanito yet, it's a must! read more

I come here at least a few times every month. Their empanadas are always amazing and perfectly sized (I'm personally obsessed with the shrimp and cheese ones). Their steak egg and cheese and chicken egg and cheese sandwiches are to die for, especially with the crispy fries in it and when you add their hot sauce. The coffee is also always amazing and they have pictures on their menu that show the coffee to milk ratios for each kind. I've been a regular for years and will continue eating here for years to come! read more

This place has phenomenal empanadas! They don't skimp on the filling and they're a decent size for the price! My new fav empanada place! And their café tastes just like grandmas! read more

Their coffee. Their empanadas. Their everything. This place is life. Clean inside. Friendly staff. 5 stars.

I really liked this place when it first opened. In fact, I was there every weekend. The steak sandwich was my favorite. The last few times I have ordered, my steak sandwich has been a little on the salty side. I'm not sure if the recipe for the steak marinade changed or perhaps new cooks. It's still a good sandwich but I no longer go out of my way like I use to. read more

If you're in doubt of whether or not to go, just go! It's only $6 per sandwich but it's packed with flavor and meat. Well, at least the steak sandwich is... A co-worker told me about this place and when I got my first sandwich it was AH-MAZE-ING!!! Each and every time the different sandwiches have been awesome. A plus is that the cashier women are super friendly. You'll also get a DVD selling guy that will try to sell you something, but just decline if you're not interested and he won't bother you. read more

The people who work here are the sweetest folks around and the steak cuban sandwich is TO DIE FOR!!!! I mean, seriously, slit your wrists good. I literally hum and swing my feet around in bliss when I eat it. Flavorful and filling, everything you want in a steak sandwhich! The cafe con leche is tasty as well. read more

Omg this place is awesome the Cubano is to die for and my husband love the steak sandwich lets not mention the triple empanadas and my husband luv the guava with queso. We Will definitely be back . read more

people compare this place with philly s best. I also think phillys best has better sandviches BUT they are 10-12$. so when you consider the price/quality ratio of this place, no other can beat the deal here! so el cubanito is definitely better. steak sandvich is their signature. read more

I love it here! Barrio vibe but delicious food! Limited menu but can satiate different moods and palates. Steak sandwich seriously delicious, guava empanada also incredible. I am beyond impressed and can't wait to get back for some more! Tiny place with almost nowhere to eat, but ample parking and seriously the food is standalone. Wow read more

Oh yes! Not sure what is the best part of my meal was? Guava empanada, steak sandwich or a Cuban?? I'm glad I don't have to chose I'll just order them all everytime. Sooooo goooood! read more

My favorite Cuban sandwich in the city and I've been eating them my whole life. The cafe con leche is always delicious and so are the empanadas. This place gets jam packed especially weekend mornings so order ahead if you're in a hurry. read more

Cuban sandwich is amazing wouldn't eat it at another place. They give you a lot of meat in the Cuban sandwich so you get pretty full, empanadas are great they have this little spice to them that makes it even better. read more

The cafe con lech was hands down the most amazing thing in the world. My husband and I drank 4. The empanadas (we got chicken and steak) were killer too. I got the steak sandwich and my husband got the ham egg and cheese. I preferred the ham. 100% will return for that coffee though. read more

My favorite place for a steak and egg sandwich and a cafe con leche. The vibe is awesome with Latin music playing. Comfortable seating and clean tables. I'm always looking forward to coming with my family. read more

Great empanadas and sandwiches in a little dump next to the main building that was closed for remodeling.

the beef empanada was so good and so was the steak sandwich. HUGE portions! And the owners are so sweet!!

Best Cuban Sandwiches I've had to date! I recommend the steak sandwich, even if your not a fan of steak! Service is also fast, so your in and out. But don't plan on staying inside to eat, it's smaller than average! Just take it to go, and you won't be disappointed ! read more

Just came in for that steak sandwich more of those guava empanadas and the cafe con leche. Never disappointed. This place is awesome! Don't miss this place! read more

The best steak sandwich in Chicago. Also great cuban coffee & pastries. Another underground spot. Funny thing when the owners were considering the location they actually sat in a car in front to count the traffic. Now thats good research. read more

I drive 35 minutes for their steak sandwich. Also they're killing it with the steak empanadas. Just love this place, they moved next door so now you can sit down at a table. I'll miss the charm of the no seats location but it's the best Cuban food in the Chicago. 10/10 would eat again. read more

Place is small, but the flavor is huge awesome sandwiches. They make a great cubanito sandwich full of flavor, try all of the food you won't regret it. read more

We were in the area and stopped in to try a Cubano! Also had a Cubanito steak sandwich . Both were outstanding! The wonderful man at the "Chevy" counter had us try a steak empanada (on the house) and that proved to be a winner as well. Servers were very friendly and helpful to a couple of gringos trying some Cuban food! Well worth a visit! read more

5 stars for the food! Love the steak sandwich! Love the new expanded location. Only downfall is everytime I've been there, there is a funky smell and it's not the food because that's amazing. I think they might need to change their cleaning detergent. Otherwise keep up the great work with the food and service! read more

Every time I go in there, the service is awesome. People are friendly and talkative. Food is very good and plentiful. Definitely will go back. read more

Amazing steak sandwiches! My sister is in town from California and I wanted her to try the steak sandwich. We also ordered Maduros & Empanadas; delicious! El Cubanito, you did not disappoint! Also, the ambiance is nice, and cozy. Clean establishment, and friendly wait staff. This place is a must if you reside in Chicago! read more

So far this is the best steak sandwich I've had of any style in the entire city. The mojo sauce they put on it is divine. The Cuban sandwich is also one of my favorites in the city, and they do it a little different by putting the cheese in the middle of the ingredients which prevents it from melting the into goo (though it does still get nice and warm.) This offends some Cuban sandwich purists but I like the texture better this way. And these sandwiches are enormous; it's a struggle to eat a full sandwich in one sitting.Yet count on paying six bucks or less for one. If you can make it here for lunch, this is the best lunch bargain around, bar none. This is my favorite Cuban sandwich joint in the city by far, though I'll admit I sometimes go to Cafe Unica instead just for the people-watching. *UPDATE* This place used to be known for having gigantic Cubanos. they have since come down in size, but they're still bigger than the "slim jim" style Cubanos served at other places. I'm not disappointed enough in this new development to bump my review down a star; the sandwich is still worth the asking price and bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. On another note, the owners were recently able to get their daughter out of Cuba. Hooray! I didn't know they had left a daughter behind, but she's here now, and she now works at the shop. Her English isn't very good yet but she seems just as nice and sweet as her mom. And I must say, she's a stone fox. read more

Only one word can describe this place...... AMAZING!!! It is a real diamond in the ruff!!!! The steak sandwhich is a can't miss!!! The Cuban sandwhich is one of the best I have had in Chicago as well. They ate even open for breakfast and the steak and egg sandwhich really hits the spot!! The owner is a real gem too!!! She is prob one of the nicest ladies I've ever met!! She makes me feel like i'm one of here sons everytime I eat there!! Please do youself a favor and stop in this place!! read more

Best damn $6 I've ever spent! Serving size is huge and bursting with flavor. Steak sandwich is freaking amazing. Love the little French fries on the sandwich. read more

I went here with my boyfriend for empanadas. He said I had to try this place but he warned me it was a hole in the wall type of place. More like a shack but once I tasted the empanada it didn't matter. I had a steak and cheese empanada and Cafe con leche and I will say I've never had either one done better. Sorry grandma. This is not a sit down place although they can accomodate 3 to 4 people at the counter but there is usually a guy sitting there peddling bootleg dvds. read more