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About

Cubanito Express, the ultimate destination for authentic Cuban, Caribbean, and Puerto Rican cuisine in Riverside, IL. Located at 3222 S Harlem Ave, our restaurant serves up flavorful dishes that will transport your taste buds to the islands. From traditional Cuban favorites to modern twists, our menu boasts a wide variety of options to satisfy any appetite. Whether you're in the mood for tender Cuban sandwiches, savory Puerto Rican arroz con gandules, or spicy Caribbean jerk chicken, we've got you covered. Our chefs use only the freshest ingredients to craft dishes that are both delicious and authentic. Come visit us today and experience the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of the Caribbean at Cubanito Express!

Cubanito Express Review Summary

The summary was generated by AI, based on reviews.

Cubanito Express serves up authentic Cuban cuisine with flavorful dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo, all at an affordable price. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service make it a great spot for a casual dinner or lunch.

Review Rating Chart

Yelp: 4.5/5

Google Reviews: 4.4/5

TripAdvisor: 4.5/5

Zomato: 4.2/5

Facebook Reviews: 4.8/5

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Reviews & Ratings

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4.7
(401 Reviews)
5
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Alejandra Hernandez
Alejandra Hernandez -Google user
5 months ago
My boyfriends co worker recommended this spot and after he tried it, he knew we had to try it together. We had the steak sandwich, trio empanadas, and some other items to share. Everything we tried was delicious and filling. Next time I think we...Read More
Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Trio Empanadas
Veronica Isles
Veronica Isles -Google user
a year ago
Amazing vegan options. Absolutely love this place. I would eat here every night if I could. Everything is delicious. I usually just get one of everything vegan and then have leftovers. Great service, would recommend to anyone!
Atmosphere: 5
Christian Viguera
Christian Viguera -Google user
2 years ago
Jackie is absolutely adorable. She does her job with lots of integrity and has great customer service skills! She goes above and beyond to make sure customers are completely satisfied. Today we ordered two Cuban sandwiches and the black bean soup. The food was delicious...Read More
Take outLunch$10–20
Samantha Zamudio
Samantha Zamudio -Google user
2 years ago
Hi! My photos are not the best I apologize it does not do justice for how good the food was. We order Saturday jibaritos papa rellenos so delicious! I love that the papas are small and come in 4 rather than the usual big relleno....Read More
Susana Guerrero
Susana Guerrero -Google user
3 years ago
I have been here at least 3 times and I have yet to be disappointed by anything I've tried. So far I've tried their jibarito, media noche, palomilla, steak egg and cheese, croquetas, sandwich cubano, my favorite pan con timba and of course their cafe con...Read More
Take outLunch$30–50
RAS Comm
RAS Comm -Google user
2 years ago
Cuban? Puerto Rican? How about both! A gem in the near west suburbs! Forget going into the City for a quick bite of the Islands. Everything was hot, fresh, and delicious! Garlic and Chimichurri sauces were excellent. Chicken empanda was …
Valeria Walsh
Valeria Walsh -Google user
4 months ago
Hands down one of my favorite places now!! When you walk in everyone is super welcoming. I got a jibarito and I was blown away!! So much flavor!! I tried a couple of the sodas they had too and tbh r pineapple is a must...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Steak Jibarito
Juan Vasquez
Juan Vasquez -Google user
a year ago
This place has some Amazing flavors going on in their food!! I had the Cubanito Express, Tostones, a Cuban iced coffee and had to say yes to some Flan. If you are lucky enough to be in the area this place is a must have....Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Cuban Sandwich
Lizzie BordenSin
Lizzie BordenSin -Google user
3 months ago
Be been here in this area for a year and never been here. I finally tried it out and it didn’t disappoint. The Jibaritos bistec was fire 🔥. The rice was ok as well as the yuca Fritas. I will definitely go there again and...Read More
Take outDinner$10–20Service: 5Steak JibaritoVegetarian menu or sectionPlenty of parking
Osvaldo Leon
Osvaldo Leon -Google user
7 months ago
Came across this spot on TikTok and was in the vicinity, so I had to come check them out. Very welcoming staff and space. The cafecito was AMAZING! I ordered the lechón y arroz con gandules and it hit the spot. Will be coming back...Read More
Take outLunch$20–30Atmosphere: 5Cubanito Express
Marvin Ambrocio
Marvin Ambrocio -Google user
a year ago
Had a great lunch today at Cubanito Express. First time here and dined in, though the seating is a bit limited. Food was excellent, the steak jibarito was really solid. Iced Cafe con Leche on point, got a 2nd one to go. Thank you will...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5
Jocelyn Ramirez
Jocelyn Ramirez -Google user
8 months ago
I loveee this spot & will always come back to it. The food is amazing & so is the staff! I usually get the caprese chicken sandwich if you’re looking for something to try. Would recommend this spot!!
Liz
Liz -Google user
a year ago
I had the pavo club, my partner got the Cuban. Oh my gods, genuinely some of the best food I've ever had in my LIFE!!! 10/10 Highly recommend! You won't be disappointed! The sandwiches are phenomenal, the empanadas where out of this world, and the...Read More
Olivia Pikes
Olivia Pikes -Google user
a year ago
This has been on my "to try" list for a while. I don't know what took me so long, but you've gotta run to this place, everything was delicious! I got the Cubano which has been hard finding a good one in the suburbs, but...Read More
Dan
Dan -Google user
4 months ago
Just tried Cubanito Express for the first time & will be coming back again soon! The food was phenomenal, everything we tried was so delicious! The service was top notch too, the ladies took excellent care of us! Definitely worth a stop any time you’re...Read More
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Cuban Sandwich, Steak Jibarito
Dusan Blazevic
Dusan Blazevic -Google user
a month ago
Absolutely delicious! Fast service, the food and coffee has that real, authentic Cuban taste. Definitely coming back!
Take outBreakfast$10–20Atmosphere: 5Cubanito Express, Cuban Sandwich
Nicole K
Nicole K -Google user
11 months ago
The service was amazing, the manager took my order she was so pretty, helpful and friendly. I heard her during a phone conversation while waiting for my food and very professional and sweet. The food was amazing as well I’ll def be back even tho...Read More
Take outDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Steak JibaritoHighly recommendPlenty of parkingFree street parking
Liliana Quiroz
Liliana Quiroz -Google user
a year ago
One of the best ropa vieja sandwiches I’ve ever had!! The service is top notch too. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming! Will definitely be visiting again soon.
Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Sandwich, Steak Jibarito
James Amundsen
James Amundsen -Google user
2 years ago
All around good restaurant. Great customer service. Great food and great atmosphere. The owners were so friendly and welcoming and the food came out so fresh. You can tell it was prepared with quality ingredients, love and care! Was my first visit and had to...Read More
Dine inBreakfastAtmosphere: 5Cuban Sandwich
Stefanie Stephens
Stefanie Stephens -Google user
a year ago
My belly is happy and full tonight! Great little place. We ate in, barstool-type seating (something to consider if you prefer lower seating). We had a cup of Cuban coffee while we waited for our order. Very smooth and great flavor! We …
Matt Spencer
Matt Spencer -Google user
2 months ago
Never waited longer than 10 mins, service is fast & friendly always. Highly recommend!
Miles Menafee
Miles Menafee -Google user
a year ago
This is my new favorite place to eat in the entire Chicagoland area. This place has some of the most delicious sandwiches you can ever try! Flavorful, fresh, delicious. Ate here three times in one week, and twice in the same weekend!! Plus, …
Carmelo Martinez
Carmelo Martinez -Google user
2 months ago
Great food and coffee. Customer service is great, and the atmosphere is cozy.The delightful aroma fills the air, promising a truly satisfying experience. A warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for a memorable meal. Every detail, from the presentation to the...Read More
Dine inBrunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Cuban Sandwich
E
E -Google user
a month ago
I had 2 frappes 1 cortado and 3 empanadas. The empanadas were pretty good, the sauces were pretty damn fire and the drinks were great. This is one of those places that should be tried at least once. Pretty dang good.
Take outBreakfast$10–20Atmosphere: 5
Breanna Perkins
Breanna Perkins -Google user
3 months ago
I had their palvo club sandwich the other day and it was so delicious! Also the service was amazing. I have some dietary restrictions and had a special request to cook the meat. They normally do not cook the meat, but did for me. I...Read More
Take outAtmosphere: 5
Daisy Modesto
Daisy Modesto -Google user
2 months ago
Absolutely love this place! The steak jibarito paired with their mango habanero sauce is to die for! While waiting for my order, I decided to try the cafe con leche, so so good! I asked the gentleman at the register if the cafe con leche...Read More
Take outDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 4Steak Jibarito
G Fig
G Fig -Google user
2 months ago
I had to order a DoorDash order from here to my job and the food was AMAZING! I’ve had pretty amazing PR / Cuban food before, but for a place like this to have all the flavors popping when you take a bite is really...Read More
Dinner$10–20Food: 5Trio Empanadas
Mike
Mike -Google user
2 months ago
The food is delicious!!! The sauces really take it up a notch as well. The service is friendly and fantastic. My taste buds haven't been disappointed while going through the menu. Always a treat stopping here.
Victoria Augustine Gunnison
Victoria Augustine Gunnison -Google user
2 months ago
Ordered DoorDash pick up after Brookfield zoo. Turkey club was neutral good, great for a safe eater . Cuban was exactly what I’ve dreamed of. …
Yesenia Garcia
Yesenia Garcia -Google user
3 months ago
I loved the food, I had a chicken chipotle sandwich and it was simply amazing. We also had the fried yuca and plantains and they were fired. The service was fast and the girl at the cashier was very friendly. Definitely coming back.

Features

From the business

check icon Identifies as Latino-owned

Service options

check icon Delivery
check icon Takeout
check icon Dine-in

Highlights

check icon Great coffee

Popular for

check icon Breakfast
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Solo dining

Accessibility

check icon Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings

check icon Coffee
check icon Comfort food
check icon Quick bite
check icon Small plates

Dining options

check icon Breakfast
check icon Lunch
check icon Dinner
check icon Dessert

Atmosphere

check icon Casual

Crowd

check icon Tourists

Planning

Accepts reservations

Payments

check icon Credit cards
check icon Debit cards
check icon NFC mobile payments

Children

check icon Good for kids
check icon Kids' menu

Parking

check icon Free street parking
check icon Parking

Other

check icon Identifies as Latino-owned