Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    4.8 (17 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita Photos

    Business Info

    THE GNARLY CUBAN- LA VENTANITA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    Recommended Reviews - The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Breakfast
    Lisa S.

    I'm so happy to have them in the neighborhood! I placed my pickup order online a few minutes before they opened. Ordering was very easy. I set out for my morning walk around the neighborhood. My order was ready on time. I picked up my food and was met with a friendly, smiling face. The owners are lovely. She saw that I was wearing a running shirt and invited me to an upcoming running event. It's nice that they're not just a business, they are creating a sense of community. I took my food and walked back home. My cafe con leche was nice and hot and tasted so good. I got a breakfast empanada which was delicious. The crust was perfect and I loved the garlic cilantro sauce. I will definitely be back!

    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!

    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.

    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.

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andi P.
    4563
    1408
    7418

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 3
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - The Gnarly Cuban- La Ventanita

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Cuban 3,503 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Cups & Pups Coffee - Oatmeal cream pie cold brew

    Cups & Pups Coffee

    4.7(111 reviews)
    0.8 miCollege Park, Horizons West / West Orlando

    I came for the coffee, but am in LOVE with their cheesy egg pastry. I've never had anything quite…read morelike this. It's savory and filling and delicious with egg, cheese and herbs. I also got an iced dirty chai latte which was nicely balanced. The service was friendly and helped guide me to these tasty selections. This is my first visit since they moved to the main strip of Edgewater and it's a great spot with plenty of seating inside and out.

    I LOVE the look of this place.I work nearby so I've been a couple times now. The girls are always…read morewelcoming and friendly. They have their regulars and I've heard them say "The usual?" Which I love because it shows they pay attention to their customers. I've tried a couple things already. Their vanilla matcha is my favorite. Their coffee is good but it could be stronger. I got the cafe con leche and as a Hispanic, our "cafe" is STRONG so I was expecting a good punch. It was too light for my liking (too much milk). I will be more detailed when ordering going forward. It was a good drink, just felt it could've been just a bit stronger. That being said I have tried the honey nut cheerio latte and that one is amazing! I like how they heat up the pastries before handing them to you. They always taste fresh. Other than that the place is always very clean. Very bright inside quiet. Good place to work, study or just relax. They do have outdoor seating available and small area for pets in the back.

    Photos
    Cups & Pups Coffee - Interior

    Interior

    Cups & Pups Coffee - They have Pumpkin Cold Foam! This is their Honey Nut Cheerio latte with Pumpkin Foam!

    They have Pumpkin Cold Foam! This is their Honey Nut Cheerio latte with Pumpkin Foam!

    Cups & Pups Coffee - Interior

    See all

    Interior

    Oh Hey Cafe - Modern American drip coffee

    Oh Hey Cafe

    4.5(48 reviews)
    2.3 miLee Road, Horizons West / West Orlando

    Oh Hey Cafe: 4.7/5 I…read morehad an Orange Mocha Latte. It was a soft smooth flavor of orange citrus that blended with a semi sweet mocha. The orange was not too over powering nor was it too floral, and I was told that they use local homemade syrups, HOW NATURAL?! The ratio from Califia Oat Milk, espresso, and syrups was all very well balanced. Overall, it was a delectable latte and I was very satisfied. Paired with my drink, I had a ham and cheese croissant supplied by Lineage. It was a flaky croissant with ham and white cheese and it was pretty tasty as well. 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 They have decent seating, mostly tables, and then I was sat at a bar top that over looked the parking lot. Nextdoor is a children's playscape when kids can run around and play, and there is a separate area for parents to sit too. The vibe is very 70s Sci-Fi and it's super cute!! Baristas were very welcoming and excited to see all the kids enter the playscape area. Overall: I would most definitely go back. The syrups tasted super smooth and the espresso was very well balanced. It was very tasty!

    What a great coffee shop. They have all the drinks including cold brew that is really good. Each…read moreday they offer specialty latte flavors too. There is some parking in the front, but more available behind the building. They also offer a few pastries, savory and sweet if you're hungry. The windows make the place bright, but they also offer pull down shades if the sun is beating down on you as you try to work. Friendly staff. They have an indoor kids playground available for rainy afternoons, a unique feature. Note: the place is hard to find, but my GPS took me right to where it was. The facility is a church and opens as a coffee house too. They rent out there space for special events which is a great feature. Check them out! I know they'd love to meet you.

    Photos
    Oh Hey Cafe - Modern American drip

    Modern American drip

    Oh Hey Cafe - Event space $225 an hour

    Event space $225 an hour

    Oh Hey Cafe - Counter area. Behind the closed doors is a large area for children to play and parents to sit and chat

    See all

    Counter area. Behind the closed doors is a large area for children to play and parents to sit and chat

    Parlor Doughnuts - Bright and open interior

    Parlor Doughnuts

    4.3(180 reviews)
    0.8 miCollege Park, Horizons West / West Orlando
    $$

    Parlor Doughnuts are hands down some of the best doughnuts in town! These are actually…read morecro-doughnuts--a delicious mix between a croissant and a doughnut--and they are absolutely fantastic. Choosing which doughnut to get will probably be the hardest decision of the day because they have SO many different flavors, and honestly, they're all delicious. What they all have in common is that airy, buttery dough that's packed with flavor. One doughnut will definitely fill you up, but they're so good that you won't be able to resist ordering more! Don't worry if you can choose the staff will provide you excellent recommendations and you won't be disappointed. Their flavors are so unique yet comforting. My go-to is the Maple Bacon. You get the sweetness of the maple combined with the savory bacon--it's the perfect balance! And don't worry if you get stuffed--there are chairs where you can sit, relax, grab a coffee, and plan your next adventure. Definitely a must-try if you're a doughnut lover!

    The short and sweet (yes, pun intended): Parlor is a unique 5.0 doughnut shop…read more Extended version: The crown jewel is the uniquely textured doughnuts. Another reviewer accurately described it as a "cronut", or a mash-up of a croissant and a doughnut. The texture is different but the sweet factor is intact! We chose a Saturday morning to visit because our son was available and wanted to check out Parlor, since he is a doughnut aficionado. We found plenty of available parking spots. The bright interior with east-facing windows and white and blue tile made for a cheery atmosphere. Of course the doughnuts and good service add to the brightness. A French Toast doughnut, Spinach Pesto Breakfast Sandwich (a lovely savory and served in a ciabatta roll), and Proper Coffee (drip) were ordered on this visit and throughly enjoyed while sitting on comfy chairs. The laid-back, family-friendly character of the shop was a welcome change. I'd like to return in the near future after 11 am when the Savory Layered Doughnuts are being served!

    Photos
    Parlor Doughnuts - Lemon ,  honey glazed,  regular classic glazed, s'more,  churro and turtle cheesecake

    Lemon , honey glazed, regular classic glazed, s'more, churro and turtle cheesecake

    Parlor Doughnuts - Inside

    Inside

    Parlor Doughnuts - Raspberry pistachio

    See all

    Raspberry pistachio

    Foxtail Coffee Express

    Foxtail Coffee Express

    3.5(56 reviews)
    2.5 miLee Road, Horizons West / West Orlando
    $

    They have improved so much since the last time I was here. The service has always been good, this…read moretime there is more variety of food and the quality of the coffee has definitely gotten better. You can tell they've put effort into improving the overall experience. Really happy to see the progress, five stars this time

    I visit this location daily and have always been patient and respectful. Today's experience,…read morehowever, was unacceptable. I was standing at the express checkout while there was only one employee assisting customers. While I waited, three vehicles were serviced, then two more, and then a third round of cars -- all while I was still standing there. After ringing the bell once, I was told to "wait," which I did. Instead of being helped, I was eventually approached and spoken to aggressively and told to "go The fuck somewhere else," which was both unprofessional and unnecessary. What makes this more concerning is the inconsistency I've experienced over time. One employee repeatedly tells me the store did not receive a shipment of cups needed to serve hot water, while another employee provides the same item without issue the very next day. This contradiction happens regularly and suggests either poor internal communication or selective service. I come here every day for the same simple request -- hot water -- and I have never caused a problem or been disrespectful. Being skipped repeatedly, then spoken to in a hostile and dismissive manner, is not acceptable under any circumstances. Whether the issue was frustration, mismanagement, or employee behavior, customers should not be treated this way. I hope management takes this seriously, addresses staff conduct, and ensures consistent, respectful service for everyone. Walked next door for my hot water instead. It's okay I'll file a complaint. Bad day or not. Instead of me responding in a negative manner I'll take the professional route.. steam coming from my head right now. How'd you guys feel to wait patient for as long as I did then get cussed out window slammed in your face.

    Photos
    Foxtail Coffee Express - Order window

    Order window

    Foxtail Coffee Express - Walking up entrance

    Walking up entrance

    Foxtail Coffee Express

    See all

    Qreate Coffee + Studio - Cold Brew!

    Qreate Coffee + Studio

    4.7(416 reviews)
    2.7 miMills50, Colonialtown North
    $$

    Qreate Coffee absolutely lives up to the hype. I stopped by the Mills 50 location and immediately…read moreunderstood why people love this place. The atmosphere is incredible. It's one of those coffee shops where people are hanging out, working, catching up with friends, and just enjoying the vibe. They even have a photo studio in the back, which is a really unique touch. I ordered the Lemon Loaf Latte with oat milk over ice and wow...it tasted like an Italian summer in a cup. Easily one of the most refreshing and creative coffee drinks I've had in a long time. I also grabbed a four cheese pastry, and it was warm, flaky, and absolutely delicious. The ladies working behind the counter were genuinely friendly, welcoming, and happy to help. Great service always makes a good coffee shop even better. The coffee is outstanding, the space has an awesome energy, and it's easy to see why people love spending time here. I'll definitely be back to work my way through the rest of the menu. 5 stars.

    Stopped by Qreate Coffee + Studio and came away with mixed, but mostly positive, impressions…read more I started with the Purple Pearl, which was well-made but much more espresso-forward than I expected. I was hoping for more taro to come through, but the coffee dominated the drink from start to finish. The highlight was the seasonal Ube Cloud Cookies + Cream. It struck a nice balance between ube, espresso, and cookie flavors. That said, it drinks more like a dessert or milkshake than something I'd reach for first thing in the morning. The space itself didn't quite have the energy or atmosphere I was expecting from the concept. It's pleasant enough, but it didn't feel as unique or inspiring as I had hoped. There are enough interesting seasonal offerings that I'd happily come back, especially to see what they roll out for the fall menu as they had previous options noted on the walls and they looked great!

    Photos
    Qreate Coffee + Studio - Key lime caffeinated goodness!

    Key lime caffeinated goodness!

    Qreate Coffee + Studio - Pumpkin muffin. ube latte

    Pumpkin muffin. ube latte

    Qreate Coffee + Studio - Lavender latte

    See all

    Lavender latte

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

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...