Cuban American Cafe

The Write-Up

The full story

Tucked inside a downtown credit union on Central Boulevard, Cuban American Cafe is a no-frills, family-run hidden gem serving what regulars call the real deal. The pressed Cuban comes on house-baked Cuban bread, the croquetas are homemade, and the cafe con leche tastes, as one guest put it, like home. Regulars swear the cortadito is the best Cuban coffee in town, and a guava pastelito is the right way to finish.

District Story

The story of Downtown

A fort, a courthouse plat and a citrus boom built it. A name nobody can prove still runs it.

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Similar Feel

More places with this feel

Matched by vibe, not by neighborhood: the places across Greater Orlando closest in spirit to Cuban American Cafe.

La Revancha Cuban Cafe

Latin & Caribbean · Orlando · $$

Pressing Cubans on East Colonial Drive since 1998, with salsa on the speakers and an unpretentious, relaxed room.

7339 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32807

Black Bean Deli

Latin & Caribbean · Mills 50 · $

An airy, plant-filled Mills 50 cafe where Cuban family recipes anchor the menu and regulars say it reminds them of home.

1835 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL 32803

Cuba Libre

Latin & Caribbean · Pointe Orlando · $$

A two-story Old Havana courtyard rebuilt inside Pointe Orlando, all palm shadows, live Latin music, and rum.

9101 International Dr #1004, Orlando, FL 32819

Junior Colombian Burger

Burgers & sandwiches · University · $

On East Colonial Drive, Colombian street food meets the American burger, and nothing about it is quiet.

11875 E Colonial Dr, Orlando, FL

Zaza Cuban Comfort Food

Latin & Caribbean · SoDo · $

A family-run neighborhood diner in SoDo, on South Orange Avenue, built around cafecito culture and pressed sandwiches.

1621 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32806

Mango's Tropical Cafe

Latin & Caribbean · International Drive · $$$

On International Drive, this is a nightclub first, with dinner and a live Latin show folded into the front of the night.

Mango's Tropical Cafe, 8126 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819-9323

Keep Going

More in Downtown Orlando

Other places in Downtown Orlando, Local Picks first, then the closest to Cuban American Cafe.

Fixtion Restaurant & Bar Local Pick

American · American Restaurant · $$

On Orange Avenue, comfort food and huge comfy booths early, club energy after dark, shape-shifting through the day.

15 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Wall Street Plaza Local Pick

Nightlife & music · Entertainment District · $$

One downtown block holds the whole crawl: eight bars and patios that, on a big night, turn into a single street party.

25 Wall St, Orlando, FL 32801

Elixir Kitchen and Bar Local Pick

Bars & lounges · Bar · $$

A rustic-hip gastropub in one of downtown's original buildings, and very much the neighborhood's spot.

9 W Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801

Crepe Delicious

Sweets · Dessert · $$

A cosy little crêperie on Church Street downtown, where thin, golden crepes arrive stuffed with fresh, flavorful fillings.

55 W Church St, Orlando, FL

Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge

Nightlife & music · Club · $$

A small rooftop with big energy: open-air dancing above North Orange Avenue, skyline behind the DJ, lasers over the crowd.

60 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801

Mochiry

Sweets · Dessert · $

On South Orange Avenue downtown, Mochiry serves Korean-style mochi doughnuts with the springy, stretchy chew that sets them apart.

20 S Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801