A Sandwich A Day: Cubano From Cafecito

[Photograph: Amy Cavanaugh]

There's a line out the door at Cafecito when I arrive at 1 p.m. on a recent Tuesday. The pressed sandwich and coffee spot attracts a mix of Loop workers getting lunch to go and Columbia College students settling in for group meetings, but the lengthy line shouldn't deter you. These guys are fast, taking orders while we wait in line, and sure enough, the sandwiches are ready minutes after paying.

I went with the Cubano sandwich ($5.49), figuring that my inaugural visit should focus on the classic. But after diving into this utterly delicious sandwich, I'm not sure I could ever go there and not get it. The ingredients work together beautifully—there's subtly spiced roast pork, two layers of ham, acidic pickle slices, piquant mustard, and Swiss cheese that melts into every crevice. It's all layered between two yeasty slices of bread that are pressed together to create a dense sandwich.

Cafecito

26 East Congress Parkway Chicago, IL 60605 (map)
312-922-2233
cafecitochicago.com/

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