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The Smokin’ Cuban makes one of the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa

Cuban sandwich loaded with pork and ham on a plate
The Smokin' Cuban's award-winning Cuban sandwich

I’m always happy when a new restaurant gets on my radar. The International Cuban Sandwich Festival brings together more than two dozen of the best chefs from around the world to Historic Ybor City for a celebration of our city’s favorite lunch delicacy. The chefs compete for a host of different prizes, but my personal favorite award to watch out for is the popular vote. Thousands of attendees cast their vote for their favorite Cuban sandwich that day and the victor is always worth trying. Last year, one of my all-time favorite hubs, The Flan Factory, won. This year, a new-to-me establishment, The Smokin’ Cuban, took home the prize.

The Smokin’ Cuban is a Cuban-BBQ fusion concept featuring premium smoked meats from the masterminds behind Station House BBQ. “Exploding hearts over here as the star of our menu, our Smokin’ Cuban, brought home ANOTHER first place award!” wrote the owners following the conclusion of the food festival. “We are still in shock that we sold 600 Smokin’ Cubans today, and we are SO grateful to our team who rallied to make it happen!”

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A traditional Cuban sandwich on a plate

This spot has offered guava red pepper jelly, guava and cream cheese bread pudding, guava ribs, a Smoked Reuben on a Cuban, and brisket empanadas. It launched in 2023, along with Baby Brisket’s Breakfast Co, and has been a major catering hit. Their Instagram has tantalized me with cafe con leches, and tres leches banana pudding.

Located at 16319 N Florida Ave, it’s situated in the same space as Station House BBQ. You can follow the restaurant on Instagram and Facebook to see more of its tantalizing menu offerings.

The Smokin’ Midnight sandwich

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