El Cubano

5806 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad
(760) 814-8224

Recent Reviews Order Online

Customers' Favorites

El Cubano Cheesesteak Sandwich
Frijoles Negros Black Beans
El Cubano Sandwich Cubano
Potato Ball Papa Rellena
Tri Tip Sandwich
Tri-Tip Sandwich
Fricase De Pollo
Breaded Chicken
Cuban Sandwich
Grilled Chicken

Menu

Appetizers/Snacks
Empanadas (1 pc)
Light, fluffy pastry, stuffed with ground beef (picadillo).

Sandwiches
Cuban Sandwich (El Cubano)
The Cuban sandwich-renowned and loved slow-roasted pork, smoked ham, swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard on a baguette.
Tri-Tip Sandwich
Served with grilled onions on a hoagie roll, and chipotle mayo sauce on the side.
Croqueta Sandwich
Ham croquettes layered with smoked ham and swiss cheese on a hoagie roll.
Lechon Asado Sandwich
Slow-roasted pork on a brioche bun.
El Cubano Chicken Sandwich
Marinated grilled chicken breast with swiss, spring mix, tomato, onions, with chipotle on a ciabatta bun.
El Cubano Cheesesteak Sandwich
Braised shredded beef in tomato sauce, swiss cheese, dill pickles, and chipotle sauce on a hoagie roll.
Sloppy Cubano Sandwich
Picadillo ground beef in tomato sauce, onions, garlic, and bell peppers on a brioche bun.
Ropa Vieja Sandwich
Shredded beef with tomato sauce, bell peppers, and onions on a brioche bun.

Plates
Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes)
Braised shredded beef in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Fricase De Pollo
Braised chicken thigh cooked in a light wine sauce with onions, garlic, and potatoes. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Ground Beef (Picadillo)
Savory ground beef in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, bell peppers, and potatoes.
Grilled Chicekn (Pollo A La Plancha)
Marinated and grilled chicken breast. Comes with white rice and black beans or moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Tri-Tip (Cuban Style)
Braised slices of tender beef seasoned with mojo Cuban marinade with potatoes and onions. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Top Sirlon Steak (Bistec De Palomilla)
Marinated thin-cut top sirloin with grilled onions top sirloin. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Lechon Asado
Slow-roasted pork served with grilled onions, a Cuban classic. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Tri-Tip Yuca Fries
Served with grilled onions and chipotle sauce on the side.
Veggie Plate
White rice and black beans or congri with salad and maduros sweet plantains. Comes with white rice and black beans or moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (maduros) or tostones.
Breaded Chicekn (Pollo Empanizado)
Lightly breaded and fried chicken breast. Comes with white rice and black beans or Moros, congri, a side salad, and your choice of sweet plantains (Maduros) or tostones.

El Cubano Bowls
Surf and Turf (Tri-Tip and Shrimp)
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Ground Beef (Picadillo)
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Ropa Vieja (Old Clothes)
Braised shredded beef in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Chicken Breast
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Shrimp
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Tri-Tip
Tender beef seasoned with mojo Cuban marinade. Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Roasted Pork (Shredded Pork)
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.
Chicken Breast and Shrimp
Comes with your choice of protein, white rice, Cuban black beans, sprig mix, tomato, and chipotle sauce drizzle.

Sides
Maduros Sweet Plantains (2 pcs)
Congri (Moros Y Cristianos)
Savory white rice and black beans cooked together.
Black Beans (Frijoles Negros)
Savory white rice and black beans cooked together.
White Rice (Arroz Blanco)
Savory white rice and black beans cooked together.

Salads
Shrimp Salad
Spring mix with grilled shrimp, tomato, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta, and house vinaigrette.
Tri-Tip Salad
Spring mix with tri-tip, tomato, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta, and house vinaigrette.
El Cubano Chicken Salad
Spring mix with grilled chicken, tomato, cucumber, red onion, black olives, feta, and house vinaigrette.

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Recent Reviews

I ordered the Fricase de Pollo, and it did not disappoint. The chicken was juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The rice, served with black bean soup, was equally satisfying—the beans were rich, creamy, and well-seasoned. The maduros (Cuban fried plantains) were an unexpected highlight, sweet and caramelized, and they reminded me of Filipino-style Banana Cue. Overall, I really enjoyed the lunch and will definitely be coming back to try more dishes.
June 2025
El Cubano offers an authentic taste of Cuba right in the heart of town. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere that transports you straight to Havana. The highlight of the menu is undoubtedly their signature Cuban Sandwich, which truly lives up to its reputation. The sandwich features tender, roasted pork, flavorful ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all nestled between freshly baked Cuban bread. The bread is perfectly toasted,...
June 2025
I have been going to El Cubano since it's humble beginnings as a food truck and a dream. Delron owner of El Cubano always had a line on the sidewalk forming and for good reason. This is the best Cuban you will find around, all the wonderful blends of sweet and savory, crispy and crunchy in all the right ways will make every visit a treat.
Making the trip is worth the drive, walk, run, whatever.
Don't miss a chance to try, their menu is the best way...
May 2025

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El Cubano

5806 Van Allen Way, Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 814-8224