Kool Korner Sandwiches
790 Montgomery Hwy, Vestavia Hills, AL, 35216
Kool Korner Sandwiches Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Vestavia Hills for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
790 Montgomery Hwy
Vestavia Hills, AL, 35216 - Phone (205) 822-4406
- Website https://www.koolkornersandwiches.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 3:00pm
- Mon : 10:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Nick B.
Below is a slightly edited version of a Google review I wrote a while back. I need to make my way back here in the near future, however! I was taken to Kool Korner for lunch one day by a coworker and was definitely pleased with my visit here. I ordered a classic Cuban (don't remember what it's called on the menu) but it was really good! Can't say that I've ever had one with the bread pressed like some kind of flatbread sandwich, but that didn't take away from the experience at all. There is even the option to order any sandwich on the menu as "all the way" (again don't quote me on the verbage), but basically it will include extras like lettuce, tomato onion etc. You might say... those are typical sandwich toppings, why wouldn't I have those by default? Again, this can apply to any sandwich on the menu. Traditional Cubans (as I ordered) don't typically have such toppings. I'd definitely recommend if you're into sandwiches or just feeling like one today and want to try something other than Firehouse, Newk's, Panera etc!
(5)David M.
Simply the best Cuban sandwich in town. The stuffed eye of round is my favorite, but really they are all great. Don't forget about the tamales, empanadas, or soup! On Saturday nights they have a traditional Cuban dinner type thing they do, which is really good. The owner, Mr. Ramirez, is one of the nicest people you will ever meet.
(5)Craig N.
As a Miami boy born and raised I longed for real Cuban food in the Ham and here it is. As authentic a Cuban sandwich as you can find. And don't leave without getting the guava pastille. Wow. Just a great place!
(5)Lotionistic Y.
Good food. Awful customer service. I hate to be one of the few 3-star rvws, but the svc really spoiled it for me. The girl taking my order never looked me in the eye and then rattled off an incomprehensible sentence when I asked a question. Otherwise the Cuban was good, but the Coke was kinda flat.
(3)Garrett P.
This is going to be the strangest sentence I will type all day, and possibly the first time in history someone has strung these exact words together in this order: There is an adorable old man in a boring shopping mall in Alabama that makes the best Cuban sandwich you will ever eat in your entire existence.
(5)Alicia P.
Great Cuban sandwiches and black bean soup! I always have to splurge and get one of their guava pastries too.
(5)Michael N.
This is the BEST place in town to get what I am told by a person of Cuban descent is an authentic Cuban Sandwich. Go to the Vestavia Hills City Center area and eat there now. Stop eating at Subway, Quiznos, Firehouse, or any other franchise. Help a local business out and go to Kool Korner now!!!
(5)Caleigh R.
Picked up a couple medium cubanos and a bread pudding to have at home with my hubby. We had the works on top and it was a lot of food! We could have shared a medium and been fine. The sandwich was so fresh, it far beats going to Subway or another chain sandwich shop. The bread pudding was delish too!! It has guava in it!! Where else can you have bread pudding with guava? Yum!! Look forward to going back!
(5)Lana A.
If I could I would eat here everyday. Señor Ramirez is still running the shop. I smiled so hard best sandwich my husband and I have had. The empanadas were like mamis.
(5)William L.
Amazing! Cuban cuisine here is simple, fresh, and just as good as when I last had any in South Miami 5 years ago! Thanks!! We'll be back! Wrote this review 9/13/2012 but somehow didn't get posted. I just saw its closed. I'd drive back to BHam just to eat there I hope they reopen. Was amazing!!!
(5)Will B.
Kool Korner is a great example of the restaurant they are trying to be. First and foremost, the cuban sandwich is all you need. I have never tried anything else. And probably never will. They are very convenient for a quick bite if you want to stay. And very convenient to do take out. Not a fancy place for a sit down dinner. But perfect for a quick cuban sandwich. They always have customers. But never slammed. It is quick, easy, and delicious. Go and go soon.
(4)Gordon K.
The Cuban sandwich is great. I mean this is a good sandwich on excellent Cuban bread. Mine tasted like they had prepared the pork roast in house and the bread tasted like fresh bakery bread. Nothing was greasy or over-salted. Did I say I really was impressed with this sandwich? The people are completely different than what you find in any restaurant. They were polite and friendly. I mean, sincerely polite and friendly unlike the usual surly attendants we have at most restaurants. The owner thanked us as we left. This is hospitality like you seldom find. The decor is kind of shabby and plain and it is a sandwich shop, but I will be back many times unless something changes.
(4)Sarah J.
Eye of round sandwich is amazing. I love this place. The owner is a cute, older man in his 90's who still works hard keeping his restaurant going.
(5)Jeanette M.
My first time here and I will be back! $9 for a sandwich, soda, and chips so it's a little on the pricier side for a sandwich, but well worth it. The quality of the food you are getting far outweighs the cheaper options. I had the Cuban sandwich with everything. The pork was slow roasted, well seasoned, juicy, and just all around delicious. The ham was fresh and well portioned. The bread was also fresh and nicely toasted. It was toasted enough that it wasn't soggy but not so toasted that it cut my mouth up. There are two sizes. I got the medium; there is also a large. It was more than enough and I should not have ate the whole thing but it was so good I couldn't help myself. The veggies were fresh and clean, crispy and well portioned as compared to the meat and bread. All in all, the Cuban is a well designed and executed sandwich at Kool Korner. The facility is located within a strip mall. It is at the far left corner. There is plenty of parking. The restroom was clean and well stocked. They have about 14 tables that can be quickly configured to make room for a larger group. And the steady flow of customers keeps the friendly staff busy. I'll definitely be back!
(5)John A.
I sent my secretary to pick up lunch and she came back to the office raving about the atmosphere and the older gentleman that checked her out. The Cuban sandwich was delicious and as close to authentic as I have found in Birmingham. The black bean soup was good as well.
(5)Garrett I.
I love this place. I get the Cuban sandwich all the way with peppers almost every time but sometimes when they have a special I get that sandwich instead. I have never been disappointed. I also really like the Galician soup and I enjoyed the empanadas and tamales though I dont get them often. For sure, every time I go I definitely get one or two guava and cream cheese pastelitos. Do not miss them! All of the employees are super friendly and the owner and his son are super nice too. Ask them any questions you have about the food because they will be happy to educate you.
(5)John Mark D.
One of the best mistakes I've ever made. While driving down Highway 31, I was planning on going to Moe's Southwest Grill and accidentally missed the turn so I pulled into the Publix parking lot. I drove around and spotted this brightly lit place at the corner of the shopping center. Decided to go in a few minutes before closing time and ordered a Cuban Sandwich. I had no idea what I was in for and I was pleasantly surprised. One of the best if not the best Cuban sandwich I've had. I don't live in this area but will be coming back to this place soon. They had a few sides that I'm definitely going to try when I visit again. They also have a good selection of Golden Flake chips. Food was served quickly and customer service gets 5 stars for sure.
(4)Katherine A.
Enjoyed a real sandwich shop! Genuine Cuban sandwiches, tasty fresh soup and friendly service. Very nice lunch!
(5)K T.
One of my favorites in Birmingham that has unfortunately, closed at their current location. I read on al.com that they are trying to find a new space but unsure when. Please, please, please hurry and bring my Cuban back. So disappointing to drive up and find an empty space.
(5)TJ J.
Awesome Cuban! The best I've ever had. 90+ year old gentleman, who is the owner, still works the register. Will come back!
(5)Robin P.
First time I went to Mr. Ramerez's Kool Korner, I ordered the chicken sandwich with plantain chips. It was so good I've never ordered anything else and I eat there at least monthly. It is that good! I sometimes add the black bean soup or tamale which are also terrific! Mr.Ramerez is charming; best food in B'ham!
(5)Kerry M.
We have loved Mr. Ramirez's food for 20 years. Worth the drive from Manhatten, or Seattle. We drive from Atlanta. Special food from special people.
(5)Michael P.
Well, I finally managed to be in Vestavia Hills around lunch time, so I hit Kool Korner. It was a late lunch, and I had to get on with my day, so I went for the Cuban Sandwich with chips and drink. Not used to my Cuban sandwiches having lettuce, tomato, and jalapeno on it, but it was good. I actually like pork slow roasted with peppers, so it was enjoyable. The pork was tender, and appeared to be freshly sliced. Staff were friendly, and service was quick, but to be fair it was 1:45 and lunch crowd was gone. The restaurant and dining area were clean. Overall, a good, solid sandwich shop. Now if only I could convince some co-workers to try it out...
(4)Taylor D.
Best Cuban sandwich and Cuban bread in town. They have fantastic tamales. Sandwiches are delicious and large.
(5)Dax B.
I've been going to Kool Korner since it opened about a year after that place out on 280 (Cuban something, not an original name) closed. A hot, pressed Cubano can be a thing of cheesy mustardy, porky wonder. Yesterday I branched out and tried the half sandwich (Cubano, naturally) and cup of soup combo for about $6. For the soup, I eschewed my normal black bean to try the advertised special Cuban style Galician soup, with white beans, smoked ham, chorizo, potatoes and collard greens. The soup was good although not sure it was not anything different than the white bean, collards and sausage soup I make at home. The serving had to almost be a pint which was plenty. The sandwich was good as usual although a bid cool by the time I finished the soup (and glutton that I am, an empanada). Speaking of empanadas, I need to start making my own. As an aside, this is the first time I have not seen Mr. Ramirez there overseeing things. I hope he is well as he is the heart and soul of Kool Korner.
(4)Alexander T.
Sandwiches were great! My friends and I visited from out of town while on a school trip. The gentleman who brought the food was nice. The atmosphere could have used some improvement, but the food more than made up for it! I got the Classic Cuban, and I recommend it.
(4)JoDee T.
I have not visited this Alabama location, and the last time I had a classic Cuban sandwich from Kool Korners was in 1999 (Georgia Tech grad school), but my taste memory has registered Señor Ramirez as the best Cuban sandwich maker I have ever had the pleasure to meet. And I say this having eaten in Miami (specifically hunting out Cuban sandwiches) several times since trying his. I owe Kool Korners a review and a thanks for those cheap and delicious meals that got me through grad school without breaking my wallet (only broke da mouth!). It's that magic mojo and the care and attention he puts in preparing his food. I remember him telling me that he brined all his own hams, specially prepared & roasted the beef, and made the bread in-house. I'm sure it would've been cheaper and quicker for him to just buy the ingredients, but then again, it wouldn't be as good as it is. All the sandwiches rock, but my favorite was the classic Cuban. I don't care whether it's original Cuban-style or not, because it's an IMPROVED version, and so very improved it is. Atlanta's loss is Vestavia Hills, nay the entire state of Alabama's gain :-). From the looks of the menu, it has expanded significantly - and I for one am drooling across the continental US just thinking about the gastronomic delights coming out of Señor Ramirez's kitchen! May you & your family have many many years of good luck in your "new" (not so new I guess) location!!
(5)Daniel B.
I went to Georgia Tech and lived so close to Kool Korner for several years, but never actually tried it until fellow Atlanta Yelper Angela M. decided to organize a road trip to visit this store, which has a cult-like following. We visited early on a Saturday afternoon and the store was quite busy. A total of 8 of us went and by the time we waited in line and got our orders in, enough seats opened up for us to be able to sit down. Almost everyone ordered the #1 Classic Cuban and their new Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries (only 85 cents each). The sandwiches come in medium or large size, but we really couldn't tell a big difference between the two sizes. You can add chips and a fountain drink to any order for $1.99. Overall, a good meal can be had here for under $10. The space is relatively new and clean. The sandwiches and pastries were excellent, absolutely delicious. Probably the best Cuban I've had, which also includes restaurants I've tried in Miami. The Mojo sauce is where it's at. Service was great and the employees knew we had made the trek from Atlanta to Birmingham. Señor Ramirez and his son operate the place. Señor Ramirez is an extremely nice man and came out of the kitchen to talk to us and didn't want us to leave without taking a photo with him. I like his thinking! But seriously, he was sad he had to leave Atlanta and he has many articles, awards, and other memorabilia from Atlanta on the walls inside of his new location. He even has a special Georgia Tech photo collage! Towards the end of our meal, a large, happy, elderly Cuban contingent came to eat and Señor Ramirez played the Cuban national anthem over the restaurant speakers. Everyone stood up out of respect. It was unexpected and funny. We didn't leave without several to-go orders. Everyone got at least one. If sandwiches were ordered to-go, they were nice enough to give us the Mojo sauce on the side so our sandwiches would not get soggy. A five star experience and we will probably be back!
(5)Doug C.
These are the best cuban sandwiches I have ever had. The tamales are okay. My wife really likes them. Black bean soup is outstanding . Save room for the guava turnovers .
(5)Allen M.
I had an empanada, a Tamal and a guava pastry just because I did not feel like a sandwich. I will need to go back soon for each item. They were awesome! Everything I have had at this place has been.
(5)JC C.
The South is known for its "comfort foods," but for me, there is nothing more comforting than some good old fashion Cuban food. I happened to be working in Birmingham, Alabama for three months, and as you can imagine the selection for Cuban "anything" was far and few in between...better said there is a serious lack there of!!! Low and behold, a diamond in the ruff, a God's sent, manna from the heavens, KOOL KORNER. Kool Korner is located in Vestavia Hills, a suburb of Birmingham, in the Publix shopping center. A non imposing sign outside reads Kool Korner Sandwiches, but once you enter its doors you are greeted with that familiar warm sense of latin familiarity. Pictures of the old Havana/Habana adorn the walls giving a sense of character in a world that was to owner Idelfonso Ramirez, who left Cuba in 1972 to give his family a better life, and in seek of the American dream. Mr Ramirez, highly intelligent, and extremely cultured is very warm hearted and approachable...do not hesitate to ask him his life story. The food is a great escape of your routine biscuits, grits, and fried everything. He specializes in sandwiches, but on Saturdays he gives the town a special treat, with the "works." You can get a plate of rice, black beans, yuca, platanitos maduros, and pork with mojo...mmmmmm the pork with mojo. The caldo gallego (galician soup) is also very good. I heard the tamales were good, but unfortunately did not try them myself. Its not on the menu, even though it should be, but ask, better said beg, for some Cuban espresso, because that is the all time best end to any meal. All Mr Ramirez is missing is some much needed son playing in the background, and domino tables in the corner, which i advised him he needed to do. All in all, Kool Korner is a great stop for lunch, and if you can make it on a Saturday do not miss it!
(4)James H.
Atlanta's loss is Birmingham's gain. We've been bereft of Kool Korners for a few years now, and whenever the subject of sandwiches comes up in the talk threads on Yelp Atlanta, someone will inevitably bring up the lamentable loss of Kool Korners (well, okay, that someone is me). So when Angela M. posted a note about a pilgrimage to the new Birmingham location, I had to jump at the chance to once again savor the crisp crunch of a Kool Korners cuban sandwich. This trip, however, brought us new insights--a tasty black bean soup and guava and cheese pastelitos, the sweet pastries that I can seldom find outside of Miami. Señor Ramirez came out and welcomed our pack of pilgrims, expressing his regrets about leaving Atlanta, all smiles and hospitality. This trip, I made the mistake of neglecting to bring a cooler to take home extra sandwiches, but I brought a few home anyways, risking the potential food-borne illness of leaving meals in a hot car for an extended period of time--that and a 2.5 hour drive? Totally worth it.
(5)Angela M.
I loved Kool Korner sandwiches in Atlanta ( yelp.com/biz/kool-korner… ), was crushed when Sr. Ramirez closed up shop and headed to Birmingham. So when Georgia Tech was playing Mississippi State in Starkville last fall, we decided that it was a sign that we needed to stop by and try out the new digs. We were immediately impressed by the shiny new digs that even had space to eat your sandwich on the premises, and we were lucky enough to get a picture with Sr. Ramirez, who remembered Cam because he always ordered the roast beef. (We've tried to get him to order the cuban many times, but for some unknown reason, he swears by it....) Sadly, the place didn't seem to have the same level of activity as the Atlanta location, which always had lines out the door and people crammed at the picnic table in the back. We hoped that by telling all our Birmingham friends that Kool Korner would become as beloved in B'ham as in Atlanta. After a few talk threads in Atlanta about the best sandwich in the city renewed the feelings of loss that the KK classic was no longer an option, I took matters into my own hands and planned a road trip. Thanks to Zack, James, Dan, Anthony, Sarah, and Wallace for making the UYE pilgrimage a success. It was totally worth the drive. The sandwiches, with their magic mojo sauce, are as good as ever. And the new black bean soup and pastelitos on the menu show that Sr. Ramirez is doing more than just hanging on - he seems to be really thriving in his shiny new digs. Can't wait for the next road trip!
(5)Owen C.
Love this place. The Cuban is excellent but the tamales are perfection.
(5)Stephen C.
Tried it tonight for the first time. We had carry out. Several Cubans, a roast beef and an eye of round sandwich. They were supposed to put the mojo sauce on the side but instead left it out of our bags altogether. I was very disappointed about that after reading all of the reviews about how good it is. Without the sauce the sandwich's were slightly above average. We also tried the guava and cream cheese pastries. I enjoyed those. We will definitely try this again, so that we can have the mojo sauce. I will update when we go back.
(3)Alex H.
I finally made the pilgrimage to Birmingham to visit the wayward Kool Korner and it was worth the side trip from visiting the airport. For close to two decades Sr. Ramirez has been spoiling me with the delightful Classic Cuban sandwich. And after two decades I have yet to be unfaithful to that sandwich. Reading the description of the Stuffed Eye of Round tempts me to stray. I will admit to trying other sandwiches that claim to be Cuban, but have yet to find one that comes close anywhere in Atlanta. On my journeys south to Florida, I may be satisfied. On my journeys to the west they most assuredly will be. The sandwiches are outstanding, and the new digs suit the shop well. I envy the UAB students getting to enjoy these delights in the air conditioning. I always considered myself lucky when I could snag a seat at the lone picnic table out behind the old store. Sr. Ildefonso Ramirez is the heart of this operation. He always has a smile for his customers and is unfailingly polite, yet mischievous. His lovely wife Lucia was the soul of the operation running the register and ensuring the customers left with everything they needed. I recall many a visit being started with the question "How many Cubans you want? Ten?" I recall the visit where Mr. Ramirez was asking if I wanted each ingredient included on the sandwich, including "You want broccoli?" "Uh...sure" "Oh, sorry. All out of broccoli." My favorite encounter was at the bank waiting to do the morning transactions. Mr. Ramirez was standing behind me and I turned to him and asked, "Aren't you the guy who runs Kool Korner?" and he replied innocently "No, do I look like him?" This did make me go by his shop for lunch to confirm the hat he was wearing was the same. The sandwiches are amazing and the reason to return. The staff and their treatment of customers is the reason to be loyal.
(5)Tim W.
Best Cuban in Alabama!
(5)Mike F.
Do you like pork? Do you like Cuba? Do you hate archaic trade embargos? If you do you will love this place! everything is made fresh right in front of your eyes which adds to the unpretentious charm of this little place. If you're gonna hit this spot you need to get a cuban sandwich. You must like ham and pork if you are gonna choose this option otherwise choose from their many other sandwich options will are probably just as good. They make some damn good black bean and Galician soup as well if you have room. My verdict is that this place is THE SHIT when it comes to cuban sammys.
(4)Andy N.
who knew that chemistry could taste so good! Mr. Ramirez (retired chemist from Cuba) is back in action and his sandwiches taste as good as they always did in Atlanta. This old firehouse subs(?) location has gotten a new life. I was out here on a business trip and brought three of my clients here and they all loved it! You definitely need to get the classic cuban (go for the whole thing because you'll eat it ... trust me). Don't even bother with all of the healthy lettuce etc. You can get that on your toasted 5 dollar foot long at Subway. I will definitely be taking road trips to Birmingham more often just for Kool Korners. Maybe even making detours on trips to New Orleans. Yes, THAT is how good the cubans are here.
(5)Gregory H.
Kool Korner. Moved from ATL to the ham a couple of months ago. This little old man makes the best Cuban sandwiches outside of Cuba and he has the wall of awards to prove it. ATL's loss is b'hams gain for sure. We had to wait 35 minutes just to place our order. Food finds are found fast in b'ham. Nothing stays a secret very long. From their website: Kool Korner was founded in 1985 in Atlanta, GA by Ildefonso and Lucia Ramirez. The shop was a grocery store that was slowly converted to a sandwich shop and both Ildefonso and Lucia worked and lived in the old building. The store was the epitome of the American Dream. The Ramirez' arrived in the US from Cuba in 1972, having left family and friends behind, in search of freedom from communism and with hopes for the American Dream. The warmth that the Atlanta public showed Mr. Ramirez gave him the strength to continue his struggle The years passed and Kool Korner grew in popularity in the Atlanta area and became an icon of Cuban Sandwiches for the generations of Tech students. Now pogress and age forced Mr. Ramirez to close the old store and open a new one in Birmingham. The New Kool Korner Sandwiches is located at the Vestavia Hills Publix Shopping Center, just off Montgomery Hwy. The store is still operated by Mr. Ramirez who now has the help of his son Bill, and his family. Mr. Ramirez and all the employees from Kool Korner are dedicated to serving their new Birmingham area neighbors the best Sandwich they can make. Mr. Ramirez personally oversees the operation, he roasts the meats and manages all aspects of the services to his customers.
(4)Whitney B.
Ok, I am intrigued. Not only am I an inner Indian, but I am a closet Cuban. And this is the.only.Cuban.restauran… . I stopped by to pick up a sandwich for dinner. I wasn't in the mood for ham, so I chose the chicken. First of all, the bread was great. The chicken could have used a bit more flavor. I think next time I will see if they can add a bit more mojo. And next time no cheese, the cheese was too Swissy. They have tamales for a little over 2 bucks. They have packages of plantain chips. And on Saturdays after 4 they offer real Cuban food. Not that a sandwich isn't real food, but you get the idea. I want some yuca frita and lechon asado... please invite me to your house for dinner.
(3)Michelle R.
Same great sandwiches as they had in Atlanta! The medium sandwiches are huge and a can of soda is just $0.99. They also have interesting flavors - inca kola, coconut juice in addition to regular coke.
(5)Robin W.
Love this place. The sandwiches are fresh pressed to order. Mojo is a must-have. Go ahead and get a light sprinkling of fresh jalapeños. If you listen carefully, you can hear the owner stop his chopping in the back when he hears a pretty girl come in. Then he shuffles out in all of his Cuban manliness. It is worth the trip to make him laugh. The black bean soup will cure many ails...
(5)Melissa H.
Best Cuban sandwiches in At... oh wait. They're in Birmingham now. Dang. Before I moved to Atlanta, Kool Korners was one of the first places my then-boyfriend (now husband) took me to during my very first visit. We picked up a pair of sandwiches and plantain chips and ate them outside on the GA Tech campus (his alma mater). He really enjoyed sharing a GA Tech tradition with me, and I really enjoyed the sandwich. ;) So we were both sad to hear Mr. Ramirez was closing up shop and moving out of state. Thus, I'm one of the myriad of Atlantans who've taken the pilgrimage to Birmingham simply to eat at Kool Korners. Ok, so we also visited Vulcan and Sloss Furnances while in town. But that was just an excuse to visit KK, really. Shh, don't tell anyone. I'm happy to report the quality is just as top-notch as when they they were located in Atlanta. The black bean soup is absolutely delicious, too. I'm not sure what they put in there, but it's addictive. Lastly, the new digs are clean and spacious. A+! I'd make the trip again. Now I just need to find another excuse to visit Alabama...
(5)Sarah E.
The old Kool Korner was really close to my office, and I used to go there sometimes. I would have gone more often, but they didn't take credit cards and I rarely ended up carrying cash. So I hadn't partaken of its sammichy bounty nearly enough when it closed down, seemingly never to return. I was sad, but fortunately some fellow Yelpers alerted me to the fact that Kool Korner isn't gone, it's just a bit more of a drive now. And today, a group of us piled into two cars to drive the three hours from Atlanta to Vestavia Hills, Alabama to visit its new locale. People told us we were crazy. And okay, I'll agree that it is a wee bit extreme to drive that far just to eat a Cuban sandwich. But I have to say that it was completely and totally worth it. When we finally got there, we were hungry and so ready to eat. I had the classic Cuban, which is made with delicious bread that they bake inhouse. It includes a hefty serving of ham and pork with swiss cheese, jalapenos, lettuce, mayonnaise, mustard, pickles and onions (you can ask to leave any of these off if you don't like them). And to top it all off, it's flavored with their delicious mojo - I recommend that you ask for extra because the mojo is a key component. Just note that ordering extra will make your sandwich rather drippy - but it's so worth it. The Cuban sandwich hadn't changed at all from the deliciousness I experienced back in Atlanta years ago. But there were some changes - all of them good. First of all, the new space in Vestavia Hills is much larger than the Atlanta restaurant, which didn't include any seating. It was great to be able to sit down and chill with our food instead of just waiting in line, grabbing our food, and going. Plus, in the new location they now accept credit cards. Another great change was the expanded menu. Kool Korner now serves black bean soup, tamales and these delicious desserts called pastelitos. For only 85 cents you get a huge pastry that's filled with guava filling and cream cheese. It was heavenly, and they bake them fresh all day. We got to talk to the owners, who were extremely welcoming and thrilled that we'd driven such a distance to be there. Sr. Ramirez asked to take a group picture with us, which we happily did. Everyone was extra friendly to us, service was great, and the place had a wonderful family feel. Crazy or not, I'm more than happy that we drove 3 hours to eat at Kool Korner. Not only was the food excellent, but the experience itself was more than worth the drive. We may even do it again soon.
(5)Amy C.
I just wasn't impressed... I think Panera has better Cuban sandwiches... sorry! Beef empanadas were baked... and not fried? I tried the galician soup too.. is it just me or did it have pepporoni in it? ugggh.
(3)Elaine O.
I've missed Kool Korners so much that I made sure this was a stop on our Tour de 'Ham. This squeaky clean place in a strip mall is def not the same as the shack I loved in Home Park. The "classic"is not as spicy and vinegary as it used to be, and def had more ham than pork. The cuban tamale was good. It has meat incorporated throughout the cornmeal, unlike the stuff Mexican version. It was really weird seeing bougie families eat their cubans with frito lays and fountain sodas in a booth, rather than plantain chips and jumex on a picnic table out back. Glad to see that they're thriving in the Ham but the old KK shack has a soft spot in my heart.
(3)Craig S.
All the sandwiches are deliciously made fresh and pressed, but the Cuban sandwich is where the money is. I was so happy to have them re-open in Birmingham at the same time that I moved here from Atlanta. It was a staple in downtown ATL for years near Georgia Tech. I highly recommend the Cuban (get it without the lettuce and tomato), with a bag of plantain chips and drink. Be sure to order a Cuban tamale to munch on while you wait for your sandwich! SO GOOD!
(5)Andrew N.
After eating at the ole Atlanta establishment numerous times, I was completely bummed out when they decided to pick up and move to Birmingham. I guess, it could have been worse. They could have moved to the UK version rather than the AL one. The sandwiches are still the absolute best Cuban's I've ever had, hands down. The place though has traded in its shack-appeal for ugly strip-mall decor that reminds me of 5-guys. However, that trade-off did come with a large eating area and parking so, I guess its not all bad. Anyway, if you are looking for a good sandwich lunch and you happen to be anywhere near Birmingham (the AL one), this is the place to go!
(4)Ginni B.
The Cuban was excellent. Very very neat, I was able to eat it without it landing in my lap. The bread was flawless.
(4)Thomas S.
There was a time when I took the Cuban sandwich for granted. It was right down the street, inexpensive, and delicious. Then, Kool Korner moved. I didn't know where, until my brother told me they might have opened in Birmingham, AL. I took a quick visit as an opportunity to confirm or deny these rumors. This is what it's all about. Undeniably good cubans in a small shopping center in Vestavia Hills. Who would have thought? Everything is there, albeit in a much newer and cleaner building. The walls are littered with "Best of Atlanta" awards and the numerous AJC articles accumulated over the years. Plantain chips sit in boxes with the sides cut out. In the back there is a small area dedicated to Georgia Tech, the neighborhood it was a part of back home. They were delighted to hear that people enjoyed their food so much, and the old man asked for a picture before we left.
(5)Bill R.
The ropa vieja is full of flavor.
(5)Kevin R.
sr. Ramirez and his staff are so nice and treat every customer like they are family walking through the door. Cheap prices amazing sandwiches also great cuban tamales and cheese and guava pastries. Great place sad i did not get to there original place in atlanta but its a great plus that birmingham can now enjoy this cuban sandwich place also saves me the drive. :)
(5)Chris W.
Place just does it right, very simple, and the folks here bring a smile. Excellent Cuban sando; great Galician soup; yummy tamales.
(5)aimee l.
WE MISS KOOL KORNER IN ATLANTA!!! My go to place for Cubans since I have lived in Atlanta (2001) is now in B'ham. I will be in to visit on my next trip to B'ham. It is certainly not the same feel as the original home by Ga Tech, and I'm not convinced on one visit to the new spot as to the taste... more testing will need to be conducted.
(4)joseph r.
taste and value! comfort-food sandwhiches.....great cuban!
(4)Brandy T.
do yourselves a favor - eat here as often as possible. atlanta misses yr yumminess! you bamans better appreciate what you have!
(4)