Aguila Sandwich Shop
3200 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL, 33614
Aguila Sandwich Shop Menu
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Address :
3200 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa, FL, 33614 - Phone (813) 876-4022
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 am - 4:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
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Elayne L.
Fun place, authentic atmosphere, outstanding personal service that's Hot, hot, hot (trust me, he will tell you himself!) Prices are extremely reasonable! You'll leave with a smile on your face and a full tummy! As other reviewers have said... you can't go wrong!
(4)Julie F.
Was starving and dropped in on a Thurs afternoon only to wait literally 30 minutes for two sandwiches and two coffees. The staff was apologetic for the wait (they were slammed), but there was no forewarning of "Hey, it's gonna be a 30 minute wait" before they took our money. The BLT didn't have a lot of bacon and was mostly a mouthful of bread. I feel guilty giving one star,but I truly wish I had went somewhere else.
(1)Steve E.
Aguila Cuban Sandwich Shop is a great place to stop if you're looking for a quick inexpensive breakfast, or a hearty sandwich for lunch. The restaurant is located a few blocks east of the Veteran's Expressway on Hillsborough Avenue, and roughly across the street from the old Sym's Clothing Warehouse. Aguila is a real "locals" place, and they cater to the Cuban families and blue-collar workers that frequent the neighborhood. There are signs all over the inside of the restaurant proclaiming that the restaurant was featured on the Travel Channel shows "Man vs. Food Nation" and "The Best Sandwich in America". Their specialty is the Cuban sandwich and also the grilled steak sandwich. This place has a small diner feel with maybe 15 tables and a large counter for carryout orders. They're open Mon - Sat from 6am till 4pm. If you're there for breakfast you'll be able to feast on the 3-egg special with meat & Cuban toast for under $5. They also serve an omelet, egg sandwich, pancakes, oatmeal, and Cuban toast. Nothing fancy, but very filling and inexpensive. For lunch the menu is homemade Cuban soups, salads, sandwiches, and a few specialty sides. For soups you'll see the traditional black bean, garbanzo, collard greens, chicken, ajiaco chicken stew, or the pork stew known as tamal en cazuela. The specialty sides include the devil crab croquette, stuffed potato, empanadas, tamals, tostones, and plantains. All of their sandwiches are available in small (6"), regular (9"), or large (12") sizes, and everything is pressed on fresh, locally-baked Cuban bread. They have the traditional Cuban sandwich, as well as turkey, chicken, meatball, pork, pulled beef, grilled steak, chorizo, BLT, Media Noche clubs (turkey, ham, bacon, and Swiss), cheeseburgers, and Cuban hamburgers. I ordered the 9" Cuban for $5.25, and than was a wonderful blend of thinly-sliced ham, pulled marinated pork, Swiss cheese, pickle slices, mustard and mayo pressed between two slices of fresh Cuban bread. I'm not going to play the game who makes THE best Cuban sandwich on Planet Earth, but I will say that this was complete perfection straight out of the sandwich press. It is obvious why Aguila's was considered a contender for the best sandwich in America. The owner happened to be waiting the tables in my section, and he was patting his regulars on the back and shaking hands with everyone as he walked around. Super nice guy, and very willing to spend a few moments saying Hi and asking if you had any questions. He checked on me several times during my meal, and smiled heartily when I flashed him a thumbs-up while making yummy sounds. If you've not yet tried a Cuban sandwich, or you weren't happy with the last one you found at a different restaurant, then I recommend a visit to Aguila to see how this delicious Cuban treat should be made.
(5)Katherine F.
People definitely come here for the authentic food and NOT the service. We had a large party (7 people), which seemed to throw them off. They made two ladies who were seating next to us move even though we said we could sit in two separate tables (awkward!).Also, some members of our party ordered empanadas as appetizers, and the person who took our order just left after that, without taking any other orders. We then had to wait until AFTER the people who ordered empanadas got their empanadas to PUT IN our lunch orders. This made me wish I'd ordered an empanada (or any other appetizer). Anyway, the FOOD was very, very good. I like that you can ask for different size sandwiches because in Cuban/Puerto Rican restaurants, they usually give a "standard" size sandwich that is way too big, and I cannot finish. I had a little, miniature version of the pork sandwich with onions, lettuce, and tomato, and it was great. Perfect "small" portion. My dad and brother ordered the Frita (Cuban hamburger), which was a nice size. They thought it was tasty and filling (though they also had 1 empanada each beforehand). My other brother ordered a large Cuban and thought it was very standard - that is, well done, but nothing fantastic. My grandmother had the chicken soup, which she said was pretty tasteless, and the stuffed potato, which she said was great (and she makes pretty damn good ones). My favorite part, however, were the milkshakes. On their menu, they say they only have 3 flavors (coconut, mamey, and mango), but they also offer passion fruit, which is HEAVEN. I wish I could have had two. Or three. I would go back here just for one of these and maybe even forgo the sandwich and get a second. They were THAT good. This is also why I gave them 4 stars and decided to forget about the service fiasco. TL;DR: Pretty solid Cuban/Puerto Rican sandwich shop with some TO DIE FOR milkshakes. Don't bring a lot of people because they get flustered.
(4)Marykay S.
Yes. Just yes. Perfect Cubans and café con Leche. Friendly community atmosphere. Yes.
(5)Fox B.
To be honest the Cuban sandwich was kind of a let down considering the reviews and this shop making it on Man vs. food. It was mediocre and I wouldn't order the Cuban again. The media noche sandwich was way better than the classic Cuban! I would order the media noche again. I personally didn't like the deviled crab. But the empanadas (I got beef and Swiss) was SO good I ordered a second one to take home with me! Fries were great too. I would go back for the empanadas.
(4)Andrew Z.
I will never go here again. The Cuban sandwich had terribly fake, processed ham. And there was barely any pork on it. Did any of you other Yelp reviewers have the same experience ? I almost wanted to throw the sandwich on the ground. The food is very reasonably priced and the dining room is definitely small but the local atmosphere is friendly and comfortable.
(3)Grady S.
The best steak sandwich on cuban bread in Tampa. Case closed. Go here now! See Mario for instructions!
(5)Hong H.
This place is definitely a gem in Tampa! It's a small place and really easy to miss if you're driving down Hillsborough. Parking lot is small--so if you go during peak lunch hours expect to squeeze in a little spot on the side of the road. Try to carpool if you can. Also, not good for groups as seating is limited during peak hours. Orders are placed at the counter then find a seat or a booth to have your food brought out. I ordered a large veggie sandwhich with pickles, French fries and freshly squeezed orange juice. My friends ordered a few other appetizers to share: plantains, fried tostones. My sandwhich was massive and delicious! I could only eat half and saved the other half for dinner. The plantains were also really good--perfect texture, not mushy as some plantains can get. And the fried tostones (twice fried plantains) are a must! They come with a garlicky-ranch sauce that is amazzing! We asked for extra sauce just so we can dip our sandwiches in it. Lastly, we had the tres leches for dessert--also very good.. Not super-duper sweet like some tres leches, but it was perfect to wrap up lunch. Prices were very reasonable about $5-6 for good size sandwhiches, $2-3 for sides/apps. What's else is really awesome about this place and tops it all off is their owner, Mario Aguila. He waited on our table and his service is exceptional. If you ask him for hot sauce, he will "activate" it for you... Just ask and you will see! Really liked this place and would definitely recommend it!
(5)Lisa W.
I had the best Cuban sandwich that I have ever had today. The bread was fresh and it was filled with meat that was extremely favorful. And the price of a 12 inch Cuban is only $6.95! I ate half there and took the other half home for dinner. We also had sweet plaintains. For a plate of 8 big plaintains, it is only $2.95. The owner of the restaurant, comes out of the kitchen and talks to every one in the restaurant. He is extremely friendly and helpful. If there is anything wrong, he gets it fixed right away. It is no wonder that Aguila Sandwich Shop is doing so well. The place was packed at 2:45pm on a Saturday afternoon. My husband and I will be going back on a regular basis.
(5)Nat W.
One of the best Cuban sandwich I have ever had!! Their Cuban is huge and I even shared a large size with my husband and it was still too much. I cannot believe it was only $5. The sandwich was so cheesy and fattening that is why it tasted so good. The fried potato was okay. I would not order their water....it is straight from a faucet. The staffs know what they are doing. They quickly took our order and the food came out fairly fast enough for the amount of people they had in the place. The owner is very nice and cheerful. I would go back to try some of their other sandwiches! *Featured on Best Sandwich in America
(5)Shanno W.
Went here on a suggestion from our shuttle driver (who happened to be Cuban). I was looking for a cuban sandwich that topped the one I had while I was in Miami. Went here around 1:45 pm on a Friday. was pretty busy. Place my to-go order, and waited about 20-25 minutes, but I knew to expect that based on previous reviews on Yelp. The bf and I ordered 2 small cubans, a beef empanada, and a deviled crab. Empanada - ok. I had better in Miami Deviled crab - did not like at all. I had deviled crab at Columbia Restaurant, and i was expecting this oen to taste similar, but it didn't at all. Didn't care for the flavor, and didnt really see any "crab" in it . cubans - OMGGGGGG! they get 5 stars just for the sandwich. I should have ordered a bigger sandwich. The bread, ham, and roast pork all came together for a wonderful taste. it was so good..... wish i could have another. don't go for anything else, just get the cuban, and make sure you order the largest size!
(5)Michael B.
Best Cuban restaurant in Tampa no questions asked. Every time we go I have the owner "activate the hot sauce" for the deviled crab and anything else I use it for. This is a must go place when in Tampa.
(5)Zach H.
Another great discovery thanks to Travel Channel. This place was recently featured on Adam Richman's "Best Sandwich in America". I came in with a friend during lunch and it was real busy, but fortunately we were able to grab a table. We started off with a Beef Empanada and a Stuffed Potato. Both were fried perfection and the beef that filled them was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. We then ordered the classic Cuban Sandwich and the Media Noche (Adam Richman's nominee for "Best Sandwich"). The Cuban was GIANT and pretty awesome, definitely in my top 5. The Media Noche was also a great sandwich and seemed to be exactly like the Cuban except that the bread was different. With both sandwiches, the bread had a nice crunch with just the right amount of chewiness. Overall, they're serving up some great Cuban food that flies out of the kitchen. So you won't find yourself waiting too long for anything. I absolutely plan on making a return trip here and, if you haven't already, you should plan a visit too.
(4)Kevin F.
Seemed like a bit of a hole-in-the-wall place, but they have good food for cheap. I'm a fan! I would've liked more meat on my cuban, but I'm also a bit of a glutton... ;)
(3)Karen F.
3.5 Stars Tiny little place, the volume is probably 9 out of 10, and the staff, and other customers, are so friendly and welcoming, it really gives the feel of a local's secret hangout. I had the "large" Cuban sandwich - which was essentially 1 whole sandwich for today, and 1 whole one for tomorrow. Served on crunchy fresh bread, and not overpowered by mustard like so many others, it was a very good sandwich. Devil crab (as it is called on the menu) was good, although they should automatically throw a packet of tobasco in with it for togo orders Parking can be tough at times, but it is well worth the effort for a tasty cheap lunch.
(3)Natalia H.
I absolutely LOVE this place. Best media noche I've ever had. Their cafe con leche and tres leches is also really good. Actually, doubt you can go wrong with anything on the menu. The owner is usually there and is extremely cheerful and outgoing.
(5)Chris J.
What a fantastic place to get a sandwich. Can't go wrong with the Cuban sandwich but the best is the Medianoche. It's on a sweet bread so the overall taste is delicious. The cafe con leche is amazing too! Also try the sweet plantains and the flan, the cheese and vanilla flan are the best but they're usually gone by the end of the day. And during lunch time it's PACKED. It's a very small place with limited parking
(5)Michael W.
Meh! Sometimes you just want to love something so much, you put blinders on and pretend the bad doesn't exist. This is my experience with Aguilas. My girlfriend talked about this place like it was the El Dorado equivalent of a sandwich place. Maybe it's me. Maybe I cannot see the forest for the trees. I'm not too sure, but what I do see does not excite me. First things first: do not expect a timely lunch, or a timely ANYTHING for that matter. They are sloth slow. Even if you call in, it seems like you must wait at least 15 minutes for anything, and what you do get is not anything to right home about. It borders on the obscene quite honestly. I had the media noche, and while pretty good, they will nickel and dime you for anything other than meat, cheese and bread. I know I sound like a cheapskate(I am), but if it didn't take 25 minutes to get it, I would see the Brightside of it. When it inevitable arrived, it was pretty good. Nice bread, and the meat was really tender too. The cheese unfortunately tasted rather plastic like. Overall, a pretty decent sandwich. On my second journey, it took even longer, and it wasn't as busy. I had their steak sandwich, and it was severely lacking in flavor. The "steak" had what I must believe to be no seasoning whatsoever. I am serious. It tasted of just chopped meat. That might be your thing, but I like my "tripleta" seasoned and flavorful. If you want a steak sandwich worth your time, I highly advise going to the West Tampa Sandwich Shop. The saving grace of this quant little shop is the people who work there. They are pretty wonderful people, and the owner is on the floor at all times it seems. Considering how long it takes for service, at least the staff is friendly and colorful, making the wait almost bearable. Almost. If you have the time, and I mean a lot of time, you should come in and try this tiny operation. You might be able to see past these redwoods.
(3)Neal C.
Mr. Aguila has to be one of the most hospitable, skillful, and genuinely friendly restaurant owners I've ever met... from LA to Chicago to Arkansas to New York. This guy makes great food and still keeps good relationships with his patrons. The restaurant is a local neighborhood dive with 90% of the clientele being repeats whom Mr. Aguila knows very well. As a first-timer, I was treated very well, and many of the locals began to tell me how much they liked Mr. Aguila and how often they came, etc. The food is great. I tried the Media Noche, the Steak sandwich, and a beef empanada. The media noche is truly excellent. The bread is slightly sweet, and the ham, pork, cheese, and mustard just come together very well. The sandwiches are reasonably sized, and very cheap. No amount of ingredient overwhelms the other, and they complement each other well. The empanada was just ok, but for $1.90, I'm glad I ordered it. The large media noche was $4.75, and the regular steak sandwich was $4.35. I had a little bit of it all and with tax and tip paid less than $15. This place is definitely worth visiting if you enjoy a neighborhood atmosphere, friendly service, and great food all at cheap prices. Parking is somewhat difficult, and the place is small... so at peak times you might have to wait, but I'd imagine it's worth it.
(5)Carlos B.
This a a great place for cubano sandwiches we love the place and had to come again this weekend. Since we loved the media noche so much. It's always busy but worth the wait.
(5)Bridget M.
Took an hour for me to get the two cuban sandwiches I ordered to go. The sandwiches were some of the worst cubans I've had in Tampa. Angel's food cart down the street and Habana Supermarket are way better. This place was so disappointing.
(2)Brian S.
Not a place to do a "quick lunch" However, if you have the time, stop in here and get the Cuban. Definitely worth the hype. Things to note: Most menu items are sold a la carte, but i believe they do have combos. their soft drinks are cans/bottle so refills are not free. They close early! Don't try and come here for dinner. Their credit card machine is on the same line as their phone, so be patient if they are getting to go calls when you're trying to cash out. Enjoy this place! It's a gem.
(4)John W.
Went a second time and it was good. Ordered ahead of time, give them 20min or more. The breakfast sandwich was good and big. Made fresh in the afternoon.
(4)Rob G.
Very good cuban but not heads above any others. I also don't think they put enough mustard on it but thats me. I also asked for rice and beans and they gave me a to go box of white rice and a box of black beans. I don't think I have ever seen white rice at a cuban place. Still very good
(4)Paul V.
Stopped in for lunch mainly because the Media Noche sandwich was featured on Adam Richman's T.V. show searching for the best sandwich in America. It's located in a small roadside cafe on Hillsborough Ave just on the outside of East Tampa, and this place was packed with a line out the door. The owner is extremely friendly and makes a point to greet ever patron was a kind "Ola !". I called ahead and ordered a Media Noche $4.25 and a large Cafe con Leche $2.50. The media noche (similar to a cuban, but made with a sweeter bread) is a combination of pulled pork, sour onions, Swiss cheese and salami, dress with mayo, mustard and pickle, on a sweet egg roll. The sandwich is then heated on a press for several minutes, until the Swiss melts beautifully, artfully blending and bringing out the unique favors of the individual ingredients. Cheers: -Authentic Cuban cafe, and you don't have to travel all the way to Ybor -Cheerful service, friendly staff -Fresh food made to order -Really great Media Noche -Some of the other dishes on people's tables looked really great as well Jeers: -Small dining area -Place is packed with people -Closed on Sunday ?? Summary: They make a really good sandwich. Unfortunately it falls victim to being over hyped by the t.v. show as it raised my expectations a bit too high. I've been there twice now and neither time was there any way I was going to get a table without waiting 30 minutes. The sandwich also takes about 20 minutes to make, so I recommend calling in ahead for pickup.
(4)EJ P.
Do yourself a favor and avoid going here to sit down and eat. The place is too small, it's always packed with people, and it's very dirty. So in order to avoid all that, call ahead, pick up your sandwiches and go to the park and have your Cuban lunch. I recommend the steak sandwich and the media noche sandwich. Very good sandwiches, although personally I thought the meats were salty. However, everything else was just right, from the proportion of the meats to the crunchy factor of the bread. Some places specialize in Cuban sandwiches and they never get that extra crispy press on the sandwich. This place gets it right. They know what they are doing here. It's just a shame that the restaurant is too small and really dirty.
(4)Steve D.
Our annual trek to St Pete/Tampa now includes a mandatory visit to Aguilas. The energetic owner is still there keeping the patrons smiling. The cuban sandwiches and empanadas (beef) are the best. The espresso and cafe con leche also excellent. We had to wait a few minutes to get a table as early as 11:15 AM, because this place is VERY popular with the locales. We can't figure out the one star review. He must have had a bad day. We left hearing, "Have a sexy Sunday." What could be better.
(4)Julio R.
I told my parents about this sandwich shop after seeing it on MAN VS FOOD. We recently visited my parents in the Tampa area. Me and my dad whent to Aguila Sandwich shop and it WAS GREAT!! The service was excellent. The Owner was out and about talking, that would be my only complaint, but he was great. I just wanted to eat. THE SANDWICH WAS SOOOO GOOD. The prices are even better. I would definetly reccomend AGUILA. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK
(5)Jim L.
Always busy here, so call in orders. Excellent food in a native Cuban atmosphere.
(4)David A.
Small but big in all of its ways. I like the way it makes your day. Great coffee and the breakfast is always done right. I like dining in but sometimes I just can't. Don't go if you are in a hurry to get somewhere its best to sit and enjoy the happy ppl as the day shines on you. The Cubans sandwich are awesome. But I love me a scrambled egg sandwich with Swiss it so big u can share it with someone and don't forget your Café con leche.
(4)Linda P.
Best Cuban Sandwich and Tamals in Tampa! This place is real deal... authentic Cuban cuisine and wonderful service by Mario, who is always upbeat and will put a smile on your face every time. I love the tamals all the way, with seasoned pulled pork, lettuce and tomatoes with a dash of the Goya picante sauce! The prices are low, the restaurant is no frills and the food is high quality. Muy Bueno!
(4)Michael H.
The much hyped (on TV and elsewhere) media noche sandwich I felt did not live up to it's press clippings. The pork was superb however to taste it I had to pick some off the sandwich and eat it as is. I felt as though when the sandwich was eaten as a whole the pork was rendered mute. This partly due to the fact that the sandwich did not contain much pork and also because of the strong flavors it had to compete with. I also wasn't a big fan of the bread that the media noche came on. Next time I would get a straight pork sandwich and be very happy I think. Or I would get the incredible Cubano. I have had some excellent ones in my life but I am not sure any better than Aguila's. It was perfection, especially the bread. There is nothing more to add about the unbelievable hospitality of the owner. I can only echo every great word that has been said about him in these reviews.
(4)Michael A.
best cubans in town hands down. Just so you all know, when we regulars see you newbies come here and get your feathers all ruffled up for it being a little slow, we laugh at you. There are a lot of you now since Man v Food. Check your attitude, shut up and be patient. Mario will take care of you. want a real treat? try a Choripan. Chorizo onions and mustard on pressed cuban bread. Fantastic!
(5)Antonetta D.
I ate three potato balls here and drank a small coffee. It was super dooper. I used five napkins.
(5)Trevor H.
I have to be honest, I did not actually eat at the restaurant, but we had a small gathering catered by Aguila. I heard that they were nominated for the best sandwich in America from family that frequent the place. Unfortunately they did not win, but I would definitely give them my stamp of approval. That fact that a catered Cuban tastes better than many of the Cuban sandwiches I have order from a counter means Aguila definitely deserves five stars in my book. I wish I was staying in town just a bit longer to try out their sandwich in house. Maybe next time.
(5)Marc M.
If you're looking for an authentic Cuban sandwich...this is THE place in Tampa. Mario is a charming host that makes everyone feel welcome. The café con leche is heavenly and the midnight sandwich is the reason I drive down from Dade City.
(5)Occy V.
This places service is an utter joke. Waiting 30+ minutes for a simple to go sandwich ? F+++ and cant comment on food since they don't like to serve it. You have to be kidding about the service other Yelp reviewer. La Teresita at least serves food.
(1)craig j.
I just had lunch at Aguila and let me tell you something. Being from Atlanta where we used to have one of the best places for cuban sandwiches (Kool Korner) finding a half decent one is a hard to do these days. The cuban sandwich at Aguila was top rate. Very tasty and given the scarcity of a good sandwich it's worth the other hassles that one reviewer spoke about. And who can complain about the price? They're cheap!! Yes the service was extremely slow and not very attentive, but the atmosphere of this place with all the families and friends who knew each other. It's nice. Next time I come to Tampa I'm going back for another cuban sandwich.
(4)Jen N.
This place is a hidden gem that is easy to pass by. At first glance, don't let the looks of this sandwich shop turn you away. A favorite of local Cubans with a fan following from Man v Food, this place has some amazing treats in store. The cafe con leche is strong but sweet, and the papaya juice is fresh and refreshing. The Cuban sandwiches are also amazing. The bread is crunchy, and the ham, mustard and pickles play together in an amazing classical combination. The portions are also generous at reasonable prices. To top it off, the service is warm and friendly and leaves you wanting to come back for more.
(4)Adrien R.
A co-worker took me here one day for lunch. I was a little nervous because I don't eat meat. The Aguila family is very welcoming and will do whatever to please their customers, most of whom appeared to be regulars. I ended up ordering plantains and a vegetarian cuban sandwich, which was the best sandwich I've had in the Tampa Bay Area. So huge, and dirt cheap. Small town atmosphere in the middle of the city.
(5)Arthur F.
Been dying to try this place for some time now. I'm really happy. Lunch was great and inexpensive. The Cuban sandwich can compete with the very best. Delicious. The cup of chicken soup was a lot and pipping hot. Very good. A colada for $1.35 can't be beat. Highly recommend this no frills place with good food and priced just right .
(4)Anabel B.
I was introduced to this place by my brother about 5 years ago. They were the best Cuban sandwiches I've ever had and I still hold that opinion to date. The atmosphere of the restaurant is small but homey. The waiters are always so sweet and welcoming, and helpful. I recommend the plantain chips as an appetizer. Also, the iron beer is a MUST. (it's non-alcoholic. Kind of like root beer, but way better)
(4)Brian K.
While it is a pretty simple place, the Cuban Sandwich is great. The prices are phenomenal. Empanadas are great and so are the fried plantains. Black bean soup was a little bland. Cuban toast is just what you would expect from a traditional place like this. End your meal with an Espresso with sugar (Cuban Coffee) and you'll be so pleased.
(5)Jon H.
Have you ever been stuck inside a box with no oxygen? I haven't, but if you said Yes to that I'd like to hear your story, And you know how I felt today at Aguila Sandwich Shop. I thought I was slick getting there at 11am to beat the lunch rush. Well apparently Everyone else knows that trick too because the shop was full, every table taken. It's a small place. I like small mom and pop shops. At the same time, Im not a fan of being surrounded by people. I felt like the Big Red Monster from The Bugs Bunny show. I wanted to throw my hands in the air and run away screaming... youtube.com/watch?v=b0FV… But I didn't. I held strong and was rewarded handsomely. For under $10 I got a huge, delicious steak sandwich on some of the best Cuban bread I've ever had. A deviled crab, which was okay. Good flavor but a little light on the crab and a can of Coke. Let me repeat... under $10. I can't fathom going to a fast food restaurant when there are options like this. That said, the wait was probably about 10-20 min. If you're in a hurry, I would recommend calling ahead. Luckily, I wasn't in a hurry.
(5)Claudia Z.
Was on a business trip from Arizona we ran across this place and man were we impressed. They have amazing food and amazing customer service. We loved it so much we went back the next day before catching our flight. The cafe con leches is delicious! Definitely going back when we come back.
(5)Ziyad L.
This place is amazing. Time and time again. Service is slow but if you know its slow then you're good. Try the chicken empanadas
(5)Vanessa S.
Talk about the best Cuban sandwich and the gentlemen mayito he's awesome so outgoing and entertaining.
(5)Jesse N.
The best Cuban I have ever had. Friendly staff. Busy so it does take a little bit to get waited on. But you see how busy the staff is,so you understand. Server was helpful in selecting the natural juices. I already know I Will be returning many more times.
(5)Lissete D.
I live in the land of everything Cuban. So I've had my share. I can honestly say that this is one good Cuban sandwich! It is also one huge sandwich and the price is fantastic! It's more than enough to share. The folks here are friendly and welcoming. But like others have mentioned, the wait can be very long and there isn't a place to sit or even stand to wait without being in the way. We do take-out, so from now on, we will call in our order for pick up.
(4)Kim S.
You can't go wrong here! The food is only upstaged by the personal touches of the staff!! :)
(5)Izzy S.
The classic Cuban is out of this world. Also try their Steak sandwich with the fried potatoes. Dine in service is also great when the owner is around. He really goes out of way to make sure you're happy. Can't say enough great things about this place.
(5)Todd B.
An easy five stars if not for the wait, and while I could have been prepared had I actually read reviews instead of just going by all the pretty stars, even preparation does not absolve a 20-25 minute wait for a Cuban sandwich. Was in the area having just breathed another 3000 miles of life into my Sentra, and saw the reviews so I gave it a try. Yelp, you did not steer me wrong. And while I'll agree with Steve E who said "getting into a 'best Cuban ever' argument is poppycock" (I'm paraphrasing as if Steve was an Englishman), this is surely one of the best Cubans in the area. I don't know if it was the pork marinade or the Cuban bread or the combination of it all put together, but this was a fantastic sandwich. And cheap-$5 and change for a 9" Cuban is awesome. I wonder if that sentence would be taken differently in a seedier section of Havana. Anyway... My only complaint, as mentioned, is the 20+ minute wait for a sandwich. Yes, they have a lot of to go orders, but they are also a small restaurant and as freshly made as this may be, it should not take so long. Next time, I'll just call my order in the day before or something Anxious to come back and try something else. Their ropa viejo sandwich on Cuban break sounds great, and I love ropa viejo, and seeing as how I have 214000 miles on a car I drive 20000 miles a year, I am sure I will be back in the area soon. Only question will be whether or not I can avoid getting such a fantastic Cuban.
(4)Katie T.
Great Cuban sandwich! Best I've had in FL Service kind of lacks speed, don't expect to be in and out. We waited 30 minutes at the table to place a drink and food order. Our waitress was nice, but soooo nice that she was talking to customers who were leaving instead of attending to our table first. Sort of disappointing. Still, I'd go back and get another sandwich. Maybe take out.
(4)Lloyd S.
We both ate and where stuffed for $11. Including drink. Great lunch value. The Cuban was outstanding.
(4)Kenneth J.
I was quite excited to visit this sandwich shop, mainly due to it's feature on Man vs. Food. However, the flavor and quality of the food leaves much to be desired. The ham in the Cuban sandwich tasted processed and stale, almost inedible. The deviled crab, although unique, was also bland. This Tampa based cuban delicacy is supposedly known for its spicy kick. This version had none. The only saving grace of the meal was the beef and cheese empanada. Fresh and tasty, the crust was perfectly flaky and the filling flavorful. The family owned atmosphere is also a plus, although I don't see another visit to this sandwich shop in the near future.
(2)Kathy D.
This place is great! Sandwiches are always fresh and the restaurant is always packed!. I love their cuban. Cuban bread is cuban bread, but it is always fresh here. Many places in Tampa really skimp on the meat and cheese, they seem to have found a good compromise. I like mine with lettuce and tomato and they are always fresh! I have seen other food and sandwiches and it ALL looks great! I try to go here every other week. They also have some terrific and tasty fruit drinks, that taste healthy and hit the spot. I usually call my order in and it is ready when I get there. Yummy food. What's a girl to do? All Cuban sandwiches in Tampa are NOT created equal!
(4)Edwin C.
MAN vs FOOD TOUR!!! Mario is a legend from Man vs. Food. His exuberance for life is infectious, and it REALLY shows in person. LOVE LOVE LOVE his energy! When you see him in the restaurant, interacting with workers and patrons, you feel the energy that he exudes and you want to get up and salsa with him (which he'll do on his own w/out any hesitation). When he brought us our food, he grabbed the hot sauce bottle and said "Let's activate the hot sauce!" while he started shaking it and his booty. AWESOME!!! Although Mario is awesome, we are here for the food. I had a big amount off the menu: Media Noche (featured on MVF), Cubano, Bistek, Croquetes, Beef Pie, Ham n' Cheese Pie, Potato Ball, and Cafe con Leche. Media Noche: a bit dry, but tasty. The bread is different. It's got a yellow hue to it. I think it's a sweet based bread. It's quite similar to the Cubano. It's the bread that makes it different. FYI, Media Noche is only sold as a large size. But it's still cheap at $4.25 Cubano: I know this sandwich from the LA/OC Porto's. This one was a bit more authentic, in that the ham inside was quite tasty. Not as dry as the Media Noche. Honestly, I think this one is better than the Media Noche. Bistek: dry. Nice sized portion though. It comes with crisp thin fries in it for texture. Add the hot sauce on it and it's AWESOME!!! Croquetes: 4 for $1.75 is a STEAL!!! SO DELICIOUS!!! I was part of a party of 4. Wish we ordered AT LEAST one more order of these, if not more. Beef Pie: Like an empanada. HUGE for the price. Great bargain, but not as much of a steal of a bargain as the croquetes. Meat is super tasty and flavorful. Ham n' Cheese Pie: Similar to the Beef Pie, but with ham n' cheese. The pie's (empanada) fill out the insides out to the edges, which is ALWAYS a plus b/c that means more of what you want. Potato Ball: AWESOME!!! These are pretty large. They're $1.50 each, but if you ordered 3, that could be a meal. I think they're slightly better than Porto's, but Porto's potato balls are already OFF THE CHAIN, so these are just OFFER OFF the chain.... YA HEARD???? Cafe Con Leche: Super duper delicious. I recommend the Medium or larger. The small would be too small. OVERALL: If you're in Tampa Bay..... COME HERE!!! Mario makes this place OVER THE TOP for experience, livelieness, atmosphere, and love. Parking can be troublesome, so be careful. Don't park on the grassy area across the street. TIP: Sit for table service, if you can find a seat..... Order at register for to go
(5)Mike S.
Glad to finally visit this renowned sandwich shop. One of the better Cuban done authentically with pressed bread and no salad inserted unless demanded. No salami either and not overstuffed. Flavor was fine, and other menu choices looked good...esp about 6 soup options. Dropped in for a quick breakfast and had to hunt parking at this very popular place between Habana & Himes on W. Hillsborough. The breakfast special at $3.50 was great...3 eggs, chorizo if selected rather than bacon/sausage and pressed cuban toast. Left happy with lunch in a bag. I may still like other cubans, including La Teresita better, but this is a "contenda." Now need to try Michelle Faedo's. BTW a copy of the YELP "Armenia Corridor" article was framed at the cash register.
(3)Stephen G.
Do yourself a favor and sit down to eat here. It's a cultural experience. If you're a suburban gringo you may want to stick with your local Panera. The medianoche is fantastic, but the true experience is the greatest server in Florida, Mario. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Scott H.
In my never ending search to find the best Cuban Sandwich in the world it was finally time to try Aguila Sandwich Shop...I had heard the horror stories..non-existant parking..small place with only a few tables..always jammed..sell out because they were on Man vs Food on The Travel Channel etc ;so I went with low expectations...first impressions when I walked in were this was a true Cuban Joint...having spent much time in Miami through the years you know a true Cuban Restaurant like Versailles is much more than a restaurant..they are also Extended Families/Community Centers/Neighborhood Hangouts...it was apparent from being in there 10 minutes that almost everyone knew everyone else in there..when new customers walked in the door half the place would greet them and the very active owner would come over there and hug them..also a trait is that a good Cuban Place goes out of their way to be helpful and kind to a non-regular like me which the owner and several patrons did..I never got this kind of welcoming vibe at The West End Sandwich Shop like I did here...as good as the environment was it would mean nothing if the Cuban was not good or if any of the other food I ordered was below par...to me the hallmark of what differentiates a great Cuban from an ok Cuban is the bread..I can honestly say the Aguila Bread is the best I have ever had..crunchy and buttery on the outside and chewy on the inside..how do they do this??..why can't others replicate it?..than it was loaded with ham..pork. swiss cheese...lettuce..tomato..pickle..mustard...Cuban Perfection!!...also had a Fried Papa that was crunchy on the outside and mounds of potatoey goodness inside...incredibly a Medium Cuban..a Fried Papa and a Diet Coke cost less than 8 bucks!!..one of the best deals in the country...due to the big crowds that were there I invited an older couple to sit at my table and they were telling me Aguila's Steak Sandwich is even better...when it came to the table it looked amazing and will definitely be in my order on my next visit...the best thing to do would be to go with someone and split a Cuban and a Steak Sandwich with 2 Fried Papas and you still would not spend 20 bucks....have to say I agree with Adam Richman on this one and it definitely deserves to be included amongst America's Best Sandwich Shops...an absolute must visit on any visit to Tampa but go at an "off time" unless you want to wait a while
(5)J. Nicklas H.
Don't bother. Too antiquated to keep up with orders. Left after 45 minutes and no food. Too many other legit cuban sandwiches to mess with their nonsense.
(1)Brian C.
Lunch Jan 4 FINALLY got to eat here! Worth the trip, deserving of the hype - this place is the BOMB! The owner Mario is a genuine, real, incredible guy! Media Noche & Cuban were fantastic! Always packed, but you will feel welcomed! Come early, they close I think at 4:00.
(4)Addiel A.
The most amazing Cuban sandwiches in the Tampa area. When I go there I feel like I'm at home back in Cuba. Also the prices are just great. All he workers are super friendly and make you feel like a family.
(5)Janene H.
I've been wanted to try Aguila's since I saw them on Man Vs. Food. I finally get the chance and am, meh, less than impressed. The place is small and a bit of a dive and packed. We snagged a booth and waited for quite a while for someone to help us. The lady was friendly when she finally arrived and explained some items off the menu. We decided to try a little of everything. The Stuffed Potato ($1.5) was good but needed something, maybe some accompanying sauce? The Croquettes ($1.75) were better. They were fried to a nice crispiness and had a smoky flavor, maybe chorizo? They could have used a dipping sauce too. The All The Way Tamal ($3.5) was a disappointment. The bread filling had a good flavor and was moist but the pork was dry and the lettuce/tomato added nothing. Again, some garlicky sauce to go with would have helped. The Beef with Swiss Empanada ($1.99) was excellent. The beef was deliciously seasoned, the cheese a perfect match and the pastry perfectly crispy. Plantains ($1.5) were browned nicely- not too oily. For our sandwiches we ordered the Media Noche ($4.75), which was featured on Man Vs. Food and was also on "Best Sandwich in America". It was delicious but was smaller than I would have thought. The meat was moist and the flavor lovely. We also got the Pork Sandwich ($5.95, large) which was AWFUL. Yes, truly awful. The meat was super dry (they'd forgotten the mojo sauce), the bread was dry and the crispy potato fries made the whole sandwich a desert. Even after we finally tracked someone down to get the mojo sauce it was STILL way too dry. Aguila's should be embarrassed by that pork! So we left disappointed. We really wanted to like Aguila's, and almost did. I'd get the Media Noche again but wouldn't go out of our way again to come here. Prices, as you can see, were reasonable. Remember, stay away from the pork!!
(3)Brett K.
Awesome. Casual, front counter shop with delicious (and reasonably priced) sandwiches. The Cuban and pork sandwiches are tasty as hell and huge! Empanadas are packed with flavor, crunchy and flaky crust with incredibly moist fillings. Their pork is outstanding. Some of it fell out of my Cuban sandwich and I couldn't have been happier: I could eat that stuff with a spoon!
(5)Sam Q.
OMG, the Cuban Sandwich Monster has met his match. This place is going into my Tampa Things to Do list. Its small, uber casual, it is packed at all hours (for good reason) but it is one of the best places to get an authentic Cuban sandwich in Tampa. Many places advertise "Cuban" sandwiches. They may have the essential ingredients, but everyone puts their spin on it. Among the best in my opinion are Champions Sports Bar at the Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel (yes, Champions. The chef is Cuban and knows his stuff), the Columbia Cafe next to Channelside, and Aguila. The owner is super friendly and works the tables. I love eating at small places where the owner takes such pride in his work. I should rephrase. I've never eaten AT this restaurant as every time I go its so packed there is nowhere to sit. So I take my sandwich to go. This would bother some people. Me, if the place is always so packed, they must be doing something right. This is as good as it gets!
(5)Brett N.
Why 4 stars? Because they have an awesome Cuban Sandwich. --- --- --- We went to Aguila because we saw it on the Man vs. Food on The Food Network. It was quite deceiving on the show because they made it appear to be located in Ybor City. It's definitely not in Ybor, but it's still a great place to grab a Cuban. I wouldn't say it's the best Cuban I've ever had, but it's probably top 3. I believe the owner was our server and he was walking around talking to everyone. He was extremely friendly and helpful when it came to describing the Cuban cuisine. Their episode of Man vs. Food had just aired a day or two before, so the place was hoppin! I tried a Malta per the advice of my Cuban friend. I will not fault Augila for this one, but that drink was disgusting. No thanks to that ever again. I will definitely go back to Aguila and you should too.
(4)Paul G.
I gave this place a try with my mom after finding it on my Yelp monocle. I was pretty desperate to find anything decent to eat on this side of town - slim picking for some reason. She went over there for carry out, so I can't say what it's like inside. But the food...the food is delicious. Aguila offers Cuban food, which is ubiquitous in Tampa. In a bloated market, however, they stand out by being a little better than the rest. I started with some black bean soup. I'm really sensitive to too much salt, and was surprised that this wasn't too salty, as black bean soup often is. Next was the tostones, which were crispy and not too greasy. They were a little moist, but I think that was from them sitting in the styrofoam container for too long while the food was in transit. Finally, I finished everything off with a couple of cheese empanadas, fried well like the tostones and LOADED with cheese. Mom had the frita (for those who don't know, a Cuban hamburger) and said it was very tasty. Bottom line - good food, good prices, and worth a try.
(4)