The Cuban Sandwich: A Taste of Tradition

The Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, starts with soft, slightly sweet Cuban bread, traditionally baked with a palmetto leaf across the top to keep the bread moist. Laid on the bread are layers of ham, thinly sliced and lightly sweetened, and mojo-marinated roast pork topped with Swiss cheese, dill pickle slices, and a smear of tangy yellow mustard. This flavorful creation is then warmed in a sandwich press, creating that signature flaky crust, until the cheese melts and the ingredients meld.

The Cuban sandwich originated in Cuba as a version of the popular mixto, a sandwich of “mixed” ingredients, including various meats and cheeses. This mixto, however, was not yet a Cuban (or Cubano). Only Florida, specifically Tampa, can rightly claim the sandwich’s origins. In the late 1800s, when Cubans arrived in Florida fleeing Spanish rule, many came to Ybor City south of Tampa, once known as the "Cigar Capital of the World," where they found work in the city’s thriving cigar factories. The mixto became a hearty lunch for these factory workers. Restaurants and sandwich shops kept tinkering with the sandwich and by the 1940s and 50s, they arrived at a creation similar to the cubano we know today.

Other Must-Try Menu Items at Cubanito Express

Indulge in traditional and signature sandwiches at Cubanito Express, where the chef and his team expertly combine Cuban and Puerto Rican flavors—imbued with a touch of Chicago!—for a truly remarkable dining experience. 

The Jibarito:  Puerto Rican twist. The jibarito, a sandwich made with flattened, fried green plantains instead of bread, filled with meat, lettuce, tomato, and garlicky mayo, was created in the kitchens of Chicago's heavily Puerto Rican Humboldt Park neighborhood more than two decades ago. Tasty jibaritos at Cubanito Express are served with bistec (steak), pollo (chicken), perfectly roasted, shredded, and seasoned lechón (pork), or ropa vieja (shredded beef in creole sauce). Try the cubano version as an alternative to the traditional Cuban sandwich.

Vegan Jibaritos: Flavor without compromise. Vegan sandwiches at Cubanito Express accommodate special dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing flavor. Choose a veggie jibarito with white rice, vegan cheese, vegan chipotle mayo, spinach, tomato, grilled onion, garlic sauce, pickles, and grilled bell pepper. Another version adds a vegan meat patty to the veggie mix.

Signature Pressed Sandwiches: The perfect lunch. At Cubanito Express, the menu goes beyond the beloved Cuban sandwich and jibarito, offering a variety of mouthwatering pressed sandwiches that showcase the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine. The Chimichurri Chicken sandwich features grilled chicken breast, fresh tomato, house mayo, and a vibrant chimichurri sauce made from parsley, garlic, and vinegar, adding a tangy, herbaceous kick. The hearty Ropa Vieja sandwich is filled with tender shredded beef simmered in a savory Creole sauce, sweet plantains, black beans, and a touch of house mayo for a satisfying, flavorful experience.

Empanadas: Perfectly flaky and flavorful. Spanish colonists brought empanadas to Latin America, where each region created its own version of the crescent moon-shaped fried pastry filled with local ingredients. The Cubanito Express menu includes savory “hand pies” filled with chicken; ham and cheese; spinach, onion, and mozzarella cheese; shredded beef in creole sauce; roasted pork with grilled onions; or picadillo (ground beef). Choose a delightful trio for a snack or appetizer, or take home plenty of each to bring a taste of Latin America to your table.

Cortadito: Classic Cuban coffee. The perfect accompaniment to any meal at Cubanito Express, enjoy their freshly brewed Cuban coffee! Try hot or iced cafe con leche or a cortadito, a pre-sweetened espresso shot topped off with a splash of steamed milk.

Breakfast Sandwiches: Morning delight. We can’t imagine a better way to start the day than with a Cubanito Express breakfast sandwich! These pressed sandwiches are filled with your favorite breakfast staples, including ham and Swiss, steak and eggs, chorizo and mozzarella, or a cubanisimo filled with steak, ham, egg, grilled onion, and Swiss cheese.

Sides & Appetizers: Perfect pairings. Cubanito Express offers the perfect side dish to complement any meal. Taste their yuca frita, cassava fried crispy on the outside and soft, densely textured on the inside, croquetas de jamon (ham croquettes), tostones (fried green plantains), and homemade mariquitas con mojo (plantain chips).

House-made salsas from less than mild to mostly wild pair perfectly with signature pressed sandwiches, empanadas, plantain chips, and other Cubanito Express menu items. Choose one or an assortment to level up your meal.

While You’re in Town

While you're in town, there's plenty to explore in the historic village of Riverside, designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Known for its beautiful, curving streets and lush green spaces, Riverside offers a glimpse into the past with its stunning architecture, including several homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy a stroll along scenic trails, relax in picturesque parks, visit the impressive local library, or take in some culture at the Riverside Arts Center. This charming town is a perfect blend of history and natural beauty, offering something for everyone.

Click here to learn more about Riverside. 

Savor the Flavors & Convenience of Cubanito Express

Cubanito Express, a hidden gem immediately embraced by the neighborhood when it opened in early 2022, is a must-visit when exploring Riverside, Brookfield, Berwyn, Oak Park, or the surrounding western suburbs. Whether you begin your day with a signature breakfast sandwich or make dinner a no-brainer by picking up your family’s favorites like empanadas, traditional pressed sandwiches loaded with chicken, steak chimichurri, or roasted pork, Cuban sandwiches, yuca fries, traditional Puerto Rican rice and beans, or sweet fried plantains, Cubanito Express has something for everyone.

Cubanito Express is less than 10 miles from the Chicago Loop, in Riverside, and easily accessible by the I-290 W Expressway (about 30 minutes) or Metra BSNF Commuter Rail (about 20 minutes from Chicago Union Station to Riverside’s Harlem Avenue Station).

Discover a range of delicious Cuban- and Puerto Rican-infused dishes at Cubanito Express.