Craving a Cuban with a coastal twist? Anna Maria Island delivers! Each local spot puts its own spin on the classic. Whether you’re enjoying it rooftop, curbside, or right on the sand, it’s a bite of bold flavor in every setting.
The Cuban sandwich, or Cubano, traces its roots back to the late 1800s in Florida, particularly in the Cuban immigrant communities of Ybor City (Tampa) and Key West. It began as a simple, affordable, and portable lunch for Cuban workers in cigar factories—made with Cuban bread, mojo-marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
Tampa’s version traditionally includes Genoa salami, a nod to its Italian immigrant influence, while Miami’s version skips the salami and sticks to the basics. Despite debates over which city can claim the “true” Cuban, the sandwich has become a favorite Florida staple.
Today, the Cuban sandwich is a Florida culinary icon—beloved for its bold flavors and pressed perfection. Whether you’re craving it with a beach view or at a laid-back local bar, there’s no shortage of tasty options. Here are some of the best places on Anna Maria Island where you can sink your teeth into one.
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Anna Maria General Store
- 503 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-779-9200
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Sunday · 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Price · $9.99
The Pressed Cuban sandwich at Anna Maria General Store is a flavor-packed delight, featuring tender roast pork, smoky ham, Swiss cheese, zesty dill pickles, and tangy mustard pressed between golden, crisp Cuban bread. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory richness and satisfying crunch, making it a local favorite worth savoring.
The Bridge Tender Inn
- 135 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-778-4849
- Open · Daily · 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
- Live Music · Daily · afternoon and evening
- Price · $12.95
The Bridge Tender Inn serves up a satisfying Classic Cuban sandwich layered with savory ham, house made roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on perfectly pressed fresh Cuban bread. Enjoy it with a side of black bean soup, waterfront views, and live music for a truly laid-back island experience.
Cortez Kitchen
- 4528 119th Street · Cortez
- 941-900-1506
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 12:00 to 9:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 12:00 to 10:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday through Sunday evenings
- Price · $18.00
Pete’s Pressed Cuban at Cortez Kitchen features slow-roasted pork, cherrywood ham, creamy mustard, and house-crafted dill pickles, all pressed between La Segunda Cuban bread and served with a choice of one side. Enjoy one at casual indoor tables, the lively bar, or outside on the waterfront deck overlooking the bay. The open-air seating with live music and salty breezes makes it a classic Cortez experience.
Daiquiri Deck
- 107 Bridge Street · Bradenton Beach
- 941-253-3300
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Live Music · Friday, Saturday, and Sunday · call for times
- Happy Hour · Daily · 3:00 to 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM to close
- Price · $17.50
The Mojo Cuban Sandwich at Daiquiri Deck features house-roasted mojo pulled pork, Cotto salami, Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard aioli, all pressed on La Segunda Bakery Cuban bread. It offers a delicious fusion of savory meats and tangy crunch that pairs beautifully with their famous frozen daiquiris and waterfront vibes.
Freckled Fin Irish Pub
- 5337 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-251-3930
- Open · Sunday through Thursday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Open · Friday and Saturday · 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Live Music · Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday · 7:00 to 11:00 PM
- Live Music · some Saturdays · 3:00 to 6:00 PM
- Happy Hour · 3:00 to 6:00 PM
- Price · $15.50
The Freckled Fin serves an iconic Cuban sandwich featuring traditional layers of thinly sliced ham, in house smoked pork, salami, Swiss cheese, tangy pickles, and mustard hugged between freshly baked Cuban bread. It’s a satisfying pub‑style twist on the beloved Cuban favorite for midday or evening bites.
Ginny’s & Jane E’s Bakery Cafe
- 9807 Gulf Dr, Anna Maria, FL 34216
- Phone: 941-778-3170
- Open · Daily · 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Price · $8.49 for small and $12.95 for large
The Cuban sandwich at Ginny’s & Jane E’s Bakery Cafe features in-house roasted pork loin, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, mayo, and pickles, all pressed on authentic Cuban bread. It’s the perfect midday pick-me-up to enjoy in a charming café/gift shop setting.
gRub Tropical BBQ
- 415 Pine Avenue · Anna Maria
- 941-900-2874
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Saturday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
- Price · $17.00
gRub Tropical BBQ offers a creative twist on the classic Cuban with its “CuBen”, featuring mojo pork, crispy pork belly, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, and grain mustard all pressed on artisan bread for a savory, smoky treat. It is served with the choice of one side. Enjoy your sandwich in the cozy indoor seating or breezy outdoor tables on the front deck.
Hurricane Hanks
- 5346 Gulf Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5788
- Open · Food · Sunday through Thursday · 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Open · Food · Friday and Saturday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Bar · Daily · 11:30 AM to 11:00 PM
- Price · $16.00
Hurricane Hanks serves their signature Ybor Cuban, a hearty twist on the classic Cuban featuring layers of sliced ham, seasoned pork, Genoa salami, Swiss cheese, mayo, mustard, and pickles—all hot-pressed to melty, toasty perfection and served with house potato chips and coleslaw. If you’re looking for a lunch or dinner option that’s both hearty and flavorful, try the Ybor Cuban.
Island Time Bar & Grill
- 111 Gulf Drive South · Bradenton Beach
- 941-782-1122
- Open · Wednesday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Open · Sunday through Tuesday · 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Price · $15.95
The Cuban sandwich at Island Time Bar & Grill is warmly toasted and packed with traditional ham, slow roasted pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard aioli. It’s a top pick for a casual, breezy lunch on island time.
Publix
- 3900 East Bay Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-5422
- Open · Daily · 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Price · From $6.63 to $9.99
Publix offers three variations of the Cuban sandwich. First, is the Cuban Wrap with sweet ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickle, mayo and mustard for $6.99. Second, is the whole Cuban sub with sweet ham, pork, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickles, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and pressed for $9.99. Lastly, is the 9 ounce Cuban grab and go sandwich for $6.63.
Scott’s Deli
- 6000 Marina Drive · Holmes Beach
- 941-778-3000
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Price · $12.40
Scott’s Deli offers a pressed Cuban sandwich made with Black Forest ham, tender deli pork, Swiss cheese, herbed cream cheese, and pickles—all served on toasted ciabatta. Enjoy right from your beach chair, thanks to their free beach chair delivery service that brings your meal straight to the sand. It’s the perfect no-hassle way to savor island eats while soaking up the sun.
Slim’s Place
- 9701 Gulf Drive · Anna Maria
- 941-567-4056
- Open · Tuesday through Sunday · 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Open · Monday · 3:00 to 10:00 PM
- Happy Hour · Monday through Friday · 3:00 to 5:00 PM
- Price · $18.95
At Slim’s Place the Pressed Cuban is a flavorful take on the classic sandwich, featuring roasted pork, sliced ham, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed in authentic La Segunda Central Cuban bread. Enjoy this hearty sandwich in a relaxed sports bar atmosphere.
Smoquhouse
- 1701 Gulf Drive North · Bradenton Beach
- 941-242-5340
- Open · Monday through Saturday · 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Price · $12
At Smoqehouse the Smoqehouse Cuban offers a creative twist on the classic, featuring house-smoked pulled pork, shaved ham, house-smoked Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard, all pressed on artisan bread. They assemble these beauties in house every morning and press them to order.
Until next time…
· izzy
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