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.

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.

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cubano

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!
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Ropa Vieja (Shredded Beef)

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

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Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

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

cubano

Pollo Guisado (Chicken Stew)

Comfort food with potatoes and olives in a rich sauce

pollo guisado

Lechón Asado (Roasted Pork)

Tender, marinated pork that’s a Cuban staple

lechon asado

Masas de Cerdo (Fried Pork Chunks)

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, a customer favorite

masa de cerdo

Tostones & Maduros (Green & Sweet Plantains)

Essential Cuban sides that balance savory and sweet

amarillos

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.

"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