11/28/17
In my opinion, Aguila’s is the GOAT Cuban sandwich in Tampa, and is a must-visit spot when you’re in town. So while I was visiting family in Tampa recently, I had to stop by. Aguila’s Cuban sandwich is a perfect example of the beauty of simplicity. The Cuban sandwich is a mostly Florida thing and has four ingredients: Cuban bread, sliced ham, roasted pork, and Swiss cheese. Traditionally it has mustard, mayo, and pickles as well (never lettuce or tomato), but I think those can get in the way of what makes this sandwich shine, so I go with just the meats and cheese. Another element that varies depending on where you are in Florida is the inclusion of salami - Aguila’s doesn’t put it on their, and that is fine with me. The best part of this sandwich is the pork. It is juicy, salty, and garlicky and is complemented well by the sweet ham and mild cheese. All of these ingredients are pressed between warm, buttery slices of Cuban bread, which is similar to French bread. This sandwich is so dang good! My wife always goes with the medianoche, which has the same ingredients, but comes on a yellow egg bread that is sweeter than Cuban bread. I can also vouch for the empanadas, croquetas, and black beans and rice at Aguila’s. The atmosphere is also something to behold - the tiny place is always packed with people chatting in Spanish and English interchangeably - definitely a fun and interesting spot to grab a bite. And their big sandwiches range from $5-$7, so you can try one of those and a great side for under $10. I’ve been known to buy a few sandwiches, freeze them, and pack them right before my flight so I can have them at home in Charlotte.