Our Story
A Cuban Dream, Built in Chicago.
Every sandwich we press, every cup of café con leche we serve, and every guest we welcome is part of a story that began with a simple dream; to bring the warmth, flavors, and hospitality of Cuba to Chicago.
It Started With a Dream
For Alberto Ramos and his family, El Cubanito began long before the first sandwich was ever served.
After arriving in the United States from Cuba, they shared the same dream as many immigrant families; to build something of their own through hard work, dedication, and perseverance. They spent months working, saving, and planning until they finally opened the doors to El Cubanito on Pulaski Road in 2007.
It wasn't a large restaurant.It was a small neighborhood café built around one simple idea:
Serve authentic Cuban food with pride, treat every customer like family, and never compromise on quality.
Today, that same philosophy continues to guide everything we do.
Bringing the Taste of Cuba to Chicago
Cuban food is about more than recipes.
It's about family gatherings, neighborhood cafés, fresh Cuban coffee shared with friends, and sandwiches pressed to perfection while conversations fill the room.
Those traditions inspired El Cubanito from the very beginning.
Every Cuban Sandwich starts with roasted pork prepared in-house, layered with ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles before being pressed until the bread becomes perfectly crisp on the outside and warm on the inside; a classic recipe that has become a customer favorite for years.
Alongside our signature Cubano, you'll find steak sandwiches, empanadas, breakfast favorites, pastries, and rich Cuban coffee prepared fresh throughout the day.
Proudly Serving Chicago Since 2007
For nearly two decades, El Cubanito has welcomed neighbors, families, commuters, and visitors looking for authentic Cuban flavors.
Located on Pulaski Road, we've become a neighborhood favorite where regular customers know they'll find fresh food, friendly faces, and the same recipes they've enjoyed for years.
Whether you're stopping in before work for a café con leche, grabbing lunch with coworkers, or introducing someone to their very first Cuban sandwich, we're grateful to be part of your day.
More Than a Restaurant
We like to think of El Cubanito as a neighborhood gathering place.
FRIENDS MEET
over coffee.
Families Enjoy
breakfast together.
Lunch Breaks
turn into traditions.
New customers
quickly become regulars.
Our goal has never been to be the biggest restaurant in Chicago.
Our goal has always been to make every guest feel welcome.
That's the Cuban way.
More Than a Restaurant
We like to think of El Cubanito as a neighborhood gathering place.
ABC7 Chicago Feature
Over the years, El Cubanito has grown into one of Chicago’s go-to destinations for traditional pressed sandwiches. Our family’s journey and signature Cubano were spotlighted by ABC7 Chicago, highlighting our house-roasted pork, time-honored preparation, and commitment to authentic Cuban flavors.
Chicago’s Best Cuban Sandwiches
Our pressed Cubanos were also featured in ABC7’s roundup of Chicago’s best Cuban sandwiches, earning a place alongside some of the city’s most respected dining institutions.
Thank You, Chicago
Above any headline, our proudest milestone remains the loyal neighbors and families who walk through our doors every day and continue to recommend El Cubanito to friends and family.
More Than a Restaurant
We like to think of El Cubanito as a neighborhood gathering place.
FRIENDS MEET
over coffee.
Families Enjoy
breakfast together.
Lunch Breaks
turn into traditions.
New customers
quickly become regulars.
Our goal has never been to be the biggest restaurant in Chicago.
Our goal has always been to make every guest feel welcome.