Anyone have a favorite place to get a great traditional Cuban sandwich in Brooklyn? I have a wicked craving. Thanks.
HankyT
Feb 16, 2007 08:19AM
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Sadly - the best I've had was at Press 195 in Park Slope. The Dominican places on Smith do an OK job, but it's not great. The "Castillo de Jagua" place on Flatbush (Is it El Gran or El Rey?) in Prospect Heights has always had really dry pork - if it was moist it would be much better. The best in the city, IMHO, is at El Sitio in Jackson Heights. They nail it, but get early because they're mostly pre-made. Good bread and a nice garlic tang.
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YES. forget about getting a moist, juicy cubano at Castillo de Jagua - such a shame it smells so good and you get sucked in for a dry hunk of meat on dry bread. Isnt there ANY place else anymore?
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I was taken to a spot in the East Village a few years ago around 1st Ave/Ave. A and 3rd-4th street (or somewhere close). It was literally a shack tacked onto a building (on the street side of the corner not the avenue side). It was only open in the mornings/afternoon. Strictly takeout. Called the "Lunch box/spot" or something to that effect. Obviously a pretty crappy recollection of where it is and what it is called, but they had a hell of a cubano and it was under 4 bucks. Anyone else know this place and can give a better description?
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El Cibao on Smith Street near Wyckoff used to make a really good one. It's been quite a while since I lived nearby, though, so I can't say if they're still up to par. Certainly worth checking out.
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Unfortunately Cibao is history. A victim of Smith Street's popularity. Now that I think of it Nuevo Portal across the street had an OK Cubano. What was REALLY great was their chuleta sandwich.
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El cibao is still there and i get Cubans from there all the time.. they are pretty darn good.. i get extra pickles.
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I stand corrected. I moved away from that neighborhood a few years back but could've sworn Cibao became one of the new stock of Smith restos before I left. I was always more of a Nuevo Portal guy, which may be why i blocked it out. Well, no more!
I'll try one of their Cubans as soon as I can. thanks.
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Actually Its now Called El Nuevo Cibao.. I think the food is better than Portal,, but everybody has their own favorite
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you should try the chuleta sandwich at Portal. It's huge and delicious. Maybe Cibao has a version as well.
I seem to remember getting a decent cuban at Mas Que Pan on Smith. Unfortunately it's now No Mas Que Pan.
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Try the Cubano at Casa Mon Amour in Greenpoint. The pernil is tender, making this sandwich a delight and a bargain at $5.50. Absolutely my favorite, they also have a nice selection of Dominican favorite, and wonderful Ceviche. An absolute must in a part of Brooklyn that lacks diversity.
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Best Cubano in brooklyn is at the Franklin Corner Store, Franklin St & Huron Ave in Greenpoint.
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Gran Castillo de Jagua's pork has always seemed much too FATTY to me, rather than dry. When they nail it, though....neither too dry nor too fatty...they're my favorite in the Slope area.
Embarrassed to admit it, but Tempo Presto does a very nice whitebread rendition of the classic Cubano.
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The Cubano and the Franklin Corner Store is absolutely, without a doubt, the best in Brooklyn. Possibly the best in the city.
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Doe's anyone know the hours of the Franklin Corner Store?
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elora's in windsor terrace has a good one, in light of limited local competition.
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