Bistro Cubano

"Steps away from the Arch Bridge, Bistro Cubano is a local mainstay for Caribbean-ish brunch, hearty sandwiches, and flavorful plates of Cuban standards. The titular Cubano is a faithful rendition of the Floridian sandwich, which comes with fries — although a small up-charge will get you a side of tostones or sweet plantains instead. Another must-try menu item is the quintessential Cuban dish ropa vieja, slow-roasted beef stewed in white wine sofrito; it’s available as an entree or in an island bowl with saffron rice, black beans, roasted pepper garbanzo salad, and sweet plantains. Stop in during the bistro’s daily happy hour from 3 to 6 p.m. for discounts on tapas like papitas and mojo wings." - Michelle DeVona, Janey Wong

"Bistro Cubano frequently manages to lure Portlanders craving Cuban and Caribbean fare down to its location in the heart of Oregon City. This cozy, tucked-away corner restaurant features an array of cocktails to sip alongside panko-breaded mahi-mahi, basted with a turmeric-tinted coconut milk and roasted with potato, stewed tomato, and garlic. The lechon asado — slow-roasted pork marinated in a garlicky-citrus sauce — is a specialty available as an entree plate served over rice, beans, sweet plantains, and rice, or as a filling in one of the restaurant’s several Cubano variations." - Ron Scott, Olivia Lee

"Nestled on the quaint Main Street of downtown Oregon City, Bistro Cubano brings Cuban and Caribbean fare beyond Portland city limits. Pros begin with a side of papitas, fried potato balls stuffed with Cuban picadillo and served alongside a garlicky dipping sauce. For a main course, the lechon asado is an excellent choice, especially when followed by flan smothered in guava sauce. Bistro Cubano is also one of the more family friendly options here, with a fun kid’s menu." - Elizabeth Delgado, Chandler Petersen, Olivia Lee