Authentic Cuban Flavors in the Heart of Chicago

Tropicuba Cafe

At Tropicuba Café, every plate tells the story of Cuba. From savory classics like Ropa Vieja and Cuban sandwiches to sweet plantains and rich cafecito, we bring the island’s flavors, colors, and culture straight to your table. Whether you’re here for a quick bite, a family meal, or a taste of home, our kitchen is serving up authentic Cuban comfort food in the heart of Chicago. Stop by either location to try the most authentic Cuban food in Chicago!

Tropicuba Cafe

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Our Delicious Story

Tropicuba Café is more than a restaurant, it’s a gathering place where Cuban culture meets Chicago’s neighborhood spirit.

With two locations, one in Hermosa on Fullerton Ave and another in Portage Park on Irving Park Rd, we’ve become a home for locals who crave authentic flavors and a warm, welcoming vibe.

Our mission is simple: to share Cuba’s rich culinary tradition while being part of the communities we serve. Stop in and try the best Cuban restaurant in Chicago!

super combination cuban chinese rice tropicuba chicago
ropa vieja tropicuba chicago

Cuban Classics Made From the Heart

From slow-simmered Ropa Vieja to perfectly pressed Cuban sandwiches, our featured dishes capture the soul of homemade Cuban cooking. Every bite is crafted with the same care and flavor you’d find at a family table in Cuba... hearty, comforting, and unforgettable! Stop in for the absolute best Cuban food in Chicago!
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The Best Ropa Vieja in Chicago (Shredded Beef)

The national dish of Cuba, slow-simmered and full of flavor

ropa vieja tropicuba chicago

The Best Cuban Sandwich in Chicago (Cubano)

Pressed sandwich with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard

cuban sandwich tropicuba chicago

Super Combination

A hearty favorite featuring beef, pork, chicken, and shrimp tossed with flavorful fried rice, egg, onions, and red and green bell peppers. Served with sweet plantains for the perfect balance of savory and sweet.

super combination cuban chinese rice tropicuba chicago

The Best Lechón Asado in Chicago (Roasted Pork)

Tender, marinated pork that’s a Cuban staple

cuban lechon asado tropicuba chicago

Steak Sandwich (Sandwich de Bistec)

Tender, seasoned steak grilled to perfection and served on fresh Cuban bread

cuban steak sandwich tropicuba chicago

Empanadas

Crispy golden pastries filled with perfectly seasoned beef, chicken, or cheese. A classic Cuban favorite with a savory, homemade taste in every bite.

cuban empanadas tropicuba chicago

Daily Specials

 

MONDAY: Picadillo de Res/ Ground Beef

TUESDAY: Pollo Guisado/ Chicken Stew

WEDNESDAY: Puerco Guisado/ Pork Stew

THURSDAY: Carne Guisada/ Beef Stew

FRIDAY: Masitas de Puerco/ Pork Chunks

THE SPECIALS ARE SERVED WITH RICE AND BREAD

Chicago Loves Our Food

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Tropicuba Café has become the go to spot for many Chicagoans who crave authentic Cuban food they can count on every time. From Cuba to South Florida and now in Chicago, we bring the best Cuban food in Chicago right to your table!

"If you love Cuban food, I highly recommend this hidden gem! The food here is so good. I recommend their Café con leche, Croquetas, Empanadas and Sándwich Cubano."
- Michelle Felix-Diaz
"My food was good, very good. I ate staple foods I order at Cuban restaurants so I can compare. This food I'd definitely top notch. It's a cozy place. This restaurant is the real deal for Cuban food."
- Patrick Cameron
"The food here is delicious! My go-to's are the steak sandwich and the chicken fricase, while my partner loves the chicken sandwich and the pollo a la plancha. We've been here multiple times and have never been disappointed!
- Crystal Ortiz
"This is my "go to" everytime I'm in the city craving a home cooked meal. Jibarito is my fav, the cuban sandwich is always delicious. We also have gotten many dif dinners/guisadas here and all were perfect/fantastic!"
- Jacklyn Petracio