Home Cuban Cafe

Cuban restaurant · Old City

Home Cuban Cafe

Cuban restaurant · Old City

2

17 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

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Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null
Home Cuban Cafe by null

Highlights

Established in 2021, Home Cuban Cafe is a vibrant and culturally rich culinary haven located in the heart of Philadelphia. What sets this cafe apart is not just its delectable menu inspired by the flavors of Havana but also its unique distinction as a female-owned business. Home Cuban Cafe was brought to life by a passionate entrepreneur with a vision to bring the warmth and authenticity of Cuban cuisine to the diverse food scene of Philadelphia. The founder's commitment to quality, tradition, and community shines through every aspect of the cafe, creating a welcoming space that feels like a home away from home. At Home Cuban Cafe, patrons are treated to an exquisite culinary journey featuring traditional Cuban dishes prepared with a modern twist. From the robust and flavorful Cuban coffee to the savory Ropa Vieja and the mouthwatering Cubano sandwich, each dish is crafted with love and attention to detail. The menu proudly showcases the rich tapestry of Cuban flavors, offering a taste of the island's culinary heritage. Female-Owned and Empowered What makes Home Cuban Cafe even more special is its status as a female-owned establishment. The founder's story is one of determination, resilience, and a passion for creating something truly exceptional. This cafe stands as a testament to the strength and creativity of women in the business world, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and break barriers.  

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17 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

$10–20 · Menu

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17 N 3rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 Get directions

+1 239 404 8038

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Jul 11, 2025

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@eater

"Pop into Dairys Mayoral’s Home Cuban Cafe for a daily cafe con leche, guava pastry, and a choice of meat or vegan empanadas. Make it a meal with the Cubano sandwich layered with roasted pulled pork. And keep an eye out for refreshing tropical fruit smoothies like soursop and guava." - Diana Lu, Sarah Maiellano, Caroline Coral

Eat Your Way Through Philadelphia’s Historic District
View Postcard for Home Cuban Cafe
@eater

"Try guava and cheese pastelitos at Home Cuban Cafe in Old City." - Diana Lu

An Illustrated Guide to Philly Restaurant Dishes Featuring Guava, Peanuts, Curry, and Roti - Eater Philly
View Postcard for Home Cuban Cafe

Rod Bern

Google
Atmosphere: 1/1: It’s nothing fancy but definitely has Cuban Bodega vibes. Service: 1/1: The owner was the chef, host, cashier and server. She balanced her roles well. She was very nice and attentive Price: 1/1: Fair prices. We had an appetizer, milkshake and plate of food for $28 Food: 2/2: My wife is Cuban and we have been to Cuba. So we are no strangers to Cuban food. All that to say this place is LEGIT! This place is not Americanized. The croquetas looked and tasted as they should. The rice & beans with fried plantains and pork were amazing! The guava milkshake left us wanting more. Overall: 5/5: This place is a must try if you like Cuban food or if you’re looking to try it for the first time. Authentic taste and ran by an incredible female small business owner. We will definitely be back!

Rebecca Cooper

Google
By far the best Cuban food I’ve ever had thus far. Excellent price, authentic Cuban cuisine, delicious taste, and incredibly hospitable. If you don’t love this place I’m convinced you’re a monster 😂

zu st

Google
This place is awesome. Home cooking of authentic and delicious Cuban food. Choices are limited for dinner but all we got was amazing and for sure we will be back. The place has cute fun decor (except wobbly table in the back) and a great playlist of Latin music. Room for improvement: drop the plastic utensils it doesn’t go well with scrumptious meals 😉

Griffin Ripley

Google
So far I’ve had a few really excellent experiences here now, and love it a lot! Really glad to have them in the neighborhood. Excellent pork sandwich, breakfast sandwich, pastries, etc. really really great. And I love their empanadas! Next I need to get the Cuban.

Rachel Reyes

Google
I've been looking for a Cuban place in Philly where I don't have to spend $50 and up per person for a meal. I have found my place. It's delicious, and I say this as a Cuban person who has grown up eating Cuban food. We got the platter (pork, rice and beans, tostones) and a Cuban sandwich. We also got coffee and a milkshake. Everything was flavorful and delicious! The decor is also very Cuban. I appreciated that the customers were a mix of the white yuppies that (presumably) live in the area and Latinx folks.

Omar

Google
Absolute delight! Came in with my son today because we just heard about them, and as a Cuban in Philly, it's hard to find good cuban food. Well, look no more. This mom and daughter run spot serves up homemade, freshly prepared, and absolutely delicious Cuban food that tastes like my grandmother made it. The Croquettes look home made and were super savory. We had their lunch special lechon with rice and black beans. Looked mouth watering and tasted even better than it looked. The owner was super nice and super Cuban, something I miss living up here. Her and her daughter were funny to watch working together and were really hustling around. The place has a very homie feel to it and a lot of Cuban flags, which I loved. Will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu because we were full, but that Cuban sandwiche looks delicious too, and I have to try it.

Nhu Nguyen (May Ng)

Google
Never went to Cuba before to know if the food is authentic, but it's very closed to the one I had in Miami. I still really love it. The owner/server is very nice and friendly. Great for a chill Sunday brunch/lunch after a walk in Old City

Hasta Fuera

Google
Enjoyed my batido and frijoles negros. My friend had puerco, my rico and flavorful. Service people were kind, helpful and friendly. They have a Cuban flag and a LGBTQI+ flag too.

Phylicia H.

Yelp
Such a cute and authentic Cuban cafe in old city. My bf and I were walking around looking for a place to eat and this spot caught our eyes. Ordered half Cuban sandwich and black bean soup. Absolutely delicious and super fresh! I love that you have the option to order half sandwiches. The staff were all extremely friendly. The ladies cooking behind the counter did not really speak any English but they were trying to have a conversation with us about what they were making. Super cute, very sweet and great recipe! Can't wait to go back and try more things!

Ade B.

Yelp
I decided to celebrate Cuban sandwich day with a Cuban at Home Cuban Cafe. It's near my condo and I assumed by the name they would specialize in the Cuban. I stopped by to get the Cuban and a dessert, but the dessert display was empty. I was told there are no desserts today. Really? I ordered the Cuban to go, as something about the space made it seem more like a to-go place than an inviting place to sit down and enjoy a meal. The first thing I noticed when I got home was that the Cuban seemed a bit thin. The meats tasted good, but there was not enough of it and the sandwich was dry with very little mustard. I wish I could have tried the dessert, but based on that sandwich there is no reason for me to go back.

Raymond Aristides Y.

Yelp
True Cuban food! Friendly atmosphere ! Enjoyable service! Looking forward to returning real soon!

Margery B.

Yelp
I went for a walk to get some coffee but stopped at this corner Cuban place for a breakfast sandwich. The bachata music quickly transports you to a Latin vibe (want to make you dance). The decor of the place is very unique and I loved it. The ladies at the counter were helpful and offer to modify a sandwich to make it vegan. I opted for an simple egg and cheese (since it was for my son). My son ate the sandwich back at the hotel and he really enjoyed how fresh it was. I would recommend you try the ham sandwiches and take some coffee drinks while you are looking for some morning or afternoon caffeine.

Michael F.

Yelp
Visiting family although now live in Miami and needed to find Cuban coffee and found it ! Excellent cafe , all quality food and coffee and great service.

Cherie C.

Yelp
I've only ever been here for breakfast so far. The breakfast pressed sandwiches on Cuban bread are good. They are also pretty big. On one visit I got tostones for breakfast because why not? They were good. Get it with their sauce, a garlicky oil that kicks things up a notch. I've tried a guava/cheese pastry, too. That was good. The guava was sweet and flavorful. [I feel like some places use so little guava that you can't tell it's there.] Staff are quite friendly. I can't wait to visit at lunch for a medianoche sandwich or a ropa vieja special.

Lauren M.

Yelp
Small, intimate cafe with GREAT coffee and simple cuban eats. Loving and sweet owners treat you like family as soon as you sit down.

Akash J.

Yelp
Stopped in on a whim because I've never had a vegetarian Cuban before--and it was fantastic! A filling of jackfruit, pickled onions, cheese, and vegan salami turned out to be delicious and satisfying. The bread was nice and crisp (as it should be) and had a pleasant light sourdough flavor. Edit to update: the owner saw my earlier comment and now has a second sandwich press just for veggie sandwiches so there's no sharing with the non-veg ones. Thanks! Also tried a non-veg croqueta because I hadn't had one in so long. It was crispy and cheesy without being too heavy, and just the right amount of meat/breading ratio. I would love to return here and try the black bean soup!

Elizabeth S.

Yelp
Coming in here you can easily see why this place has near perfect reviews. This small corner restaurant is very much a family run business. The restaurant is pretty small, a few tables and counter space, probably seats about 20 people altogether. The menu is limited. A couple of starters, sandwiches are their main menu, and this day they had a platter special. We ordered two empandas, a Cubano and the special. Everything was amazing! You can tell that everything is home made and fresh. I wish I could go there every day!

Tina T.

Yelp
Excited to get a cuban coffee while walking around Old City. Pulled up a stool and sat by the large window looking out at the street. The food menu looked amazing. I wish I had more time to sit and eat, but I thoroughly enjoyed my coffee!

David O.

Yelp
Amazing service, food, and atmosphere. The feeling when you walk into Home Cuban Cafe is the same feeling I had as a kid whenever I would walk into an authentic, local bakery spot back in Miami. The owner, Dairys, is as Cuban as it gets; she's one of the friendliest individuals I've ever met and will make the experience one of a kind. I have had the pleasure of getting to know her and her story, it is one of perseverance and hard work. I implore you to try out this spot, you will not regret it!

Joe D.

Yelp
Amazing Cuban food. I have been eating Cuban my whole life and this is one of the best

Edgar G.

Yelp
Indistinguible from my family's home cooked meals. The beans are perfection, and the guava pastelitos are divine!

John C.

Yelp
Food is delicious This food is prepared with love, soo tasty You really need to stop in there and try this for yourself if your in the old city neighborhood or market st east. This is a small but very clean business with a nice decor, its a comfortable atmosphere and quiet, the prices are very reasonable and the good is truly Cuban culture, i have had enough authentic Cuban food to say this is prepared old country style, its not thrown together its prepared with patience and correctly seasoned and very tasty. They served a nice hot bold espresso, this goes along perfectly with almost all the meals

Jessica S.

Yelp
Quiet place in old city with very sweet staff. They have a vegan cubano which ive never seen before! And a ton of other plant based options. Loved the plantains

Lisa V.

Yelp
Food was great - authentic taste outside of the islands. The wait time was long, but it's a small place and they were busy. The decor kept our interest and added to an overall great experience. We had sandwiches. The pork was on point.

Melissa O.

Yelp
By far the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. The empanadas and cafe con leche were delicious as well. This place is quality everything - great service, fresh bread and ingredients, and a relaxing atmosphere. The fact that it's family run makes it even better! As my son said, "this place is so good, it's dangerous". Added to favorites and we will be back!

Carlcfd C.

Yelp
Very great food. Nice small quaint atmosphere. The staff is very attentive and friendly. True cuban food from true cubans

Ashley V.

Yelp
We stopped in and got the jackfruit empanada and a guava pastry. Both were spectacular, but the jackfruit empanada was life-changing. It's in my top favorite things I've eaten in Philly. We'll be back to try the rest of the menu! I also appreciated the space's very cozy vibes.

William M.

Yelp
Perpetually closed, and there doesn't appear to be much attention being paid to the cleanliness or design of the space. That said - the food is good (when you can get it...)

Jency S.

Yelp
Lots of vegetarian and vegan friendly options available. Came here for a quick bite during my lunch and so glad I did! I got a half croquette sandwich, an empanada, a coffee, and a guava pastry. All absolutely amazing. There aren't alot of places in Philadelphia I've found that offer good guava options - but the guava pastries here were great (and vegan!).The coffee was probably the best I've had in the area. Definitely strong - but in such a good way - and maybe not the best thing to have at like 2pm if you're sensitive to caffeine.

Nate H.

Yelp
Holy f*** If you're vegan or not, I PROMISE the vegan Cuban will knock your socks off.

Colleen M.

Yelp
When I saw this open in the neighborhood I knew I had to get there ASAP. It was my first lunch in the city since and I was craving a Cuban. All I can say is this shhh is LEGIT. Black bean soup, Cuban and the friend plantains - all top notch. The sauce for the plantains was SO good. My first taste was not what I was expecting but I was instantly addicted. I am so happy for something new so close. Looking forward to going back for a cortadito and a guava pastry and whatever else is on the menu. Highly recommend.

Natalia M.

Yelp
Went there for brunch and it was amazing! We had the croissant ham and eggs, very delicious. The yucca fries were tasty and the sauce that pairs with it was to die for. Great service and staff as well, very friendly. The place was very clean too. Definitely coming back for lunch another day.

Jenny A.

Yelp
Amazing place to come visit for a quick breakfast or lunch !! With a vegan menu as well All owned by my mom and cousin 10/10! And they are also making milkshakes !!

Pat C.

Yelp
You KNOW I only review when I'm really happy, or really disappointed.... I've been to Miami.... I live near some of the best Cuban restaurants in Tampa Bay..... This place is phenomenal .... This is AUTHENTIC Cuban Cousine By far, the best of the best. Don't miss this place while in Philly!!!

Elizabeth G.

Yelp
Authentic Cuban food with a great variety of options, they have different specials every day and have always been delicious

Wes D.

Yelp
Awesome little corner cafe! The Colada and Cubano were both great! Ham and pork had such a great flavor. Will definitely ask for extra pickles on the sandwich next time :)

Joey U.

Yelp
I am in love with this place. The food, the staff, the setting...all perfect. I am so glad to have them in the neighborhood. My new forever go to lunch spot. Thank you for coming to old city.

Maryanne A.

Yelp
I love this place. My husband is Cuban and we've been to Cuba many times. It's like going into someone's home. It feels warm and welcoming. We each got the pork with black beans and white rice. Along with fried plantains. Delicious. Just like in Cuba. The beans were seasoned perfectly. The serving size was also perfect. Looking forward to going back and trying everything else.

michele G.

Yelp
Home cooked by Cubanos. Delicious and authentic. The plantains are perfect! The guava empanadas to die for.

Madeline O.

Yelp
Home is the perfect name for this spot. When I was there, Hispanic music was playing and young kids were hanging about. This place felt alive, in a really good way. The food was BOMB!! I had a cubano and tostones and honestly i could've gotten a half sandwich because the cubano was filling and delicious. I came here to get some work done, and I operate best when I'm around other people and when there's some background noise. I'm def gonna come back again! The only possible downside is that it is a bit pricey for me, but it was def worth it and now i know to order a half sandwich.

Fernando R.

Yelp
Amazing establishment. As soon as I walked in I was welcomed by the owners and they truly made me feel like "en casa" at home. Highly recommended!

Sharon L.

Yelp
Recently stopped here on my way home. What an excellent addition to the neighborhood. the food was excellent. The service was amazing. I look forward to stopping by again!!

Lisa G.

Yelp
Just had a Cuban sandwich from here and it was SO good. The bread was amazing and the pulled pork so flavorful. Plus it was NOT greasy (which seems to be the common theme when I've had a Cuban sandwich other places in Philly). The staff were also so friendly and welcoming. The space was great, too, roomy with a nice place to sit at the window and people watch while you enjoy your food. Will definitely return and can't wait to try other menu items. So glad they're in the neighborhood!

Dana H.

Yelp
I discovered this gem on Yelp. So glad I traveled across the city for it! Delicious food - the taste transported me back to my childhood. Coffee was delicious and just what I needed at 3 pm. Will most definitely be back!

Tara W.

Yelp
Stopped by while walking around Old City and so glad we did! The black bean soup, beef empanadas, and Cuban sandwich were amazing. Would definitely come back for their either items. The staff was super kind, too!

Felix M.

Yelp
The cuban sandwich was ok. The empanadas was typical. The pulled pork meal was on point though.

Eric P.

Yelp
Philly has desperately needed more cuban representation in its food, especially considering that the best cuban food until now was a high-end restaurant that is now closed (owned and operated by a white man). We traded that for a legitimate cuban cafe operated by two cuban women from Florida, this is the best trade ever! Now I can get pastelitos de guayaba from a cafe instead of waiting for my family to visit from Miami and bring them on a plane! We got the omelet breakfast sandwich with everything, SUPER Juicy and flavorful. Easily giving all the northeast breakfast and bagel sandwiches a run for their money and more. Cafe con leche, solid as a rock and just like they make it at home. The guava pastelitos are different in that they're a bigger pastry that's cut into slices, rather than a number of small pastries baked as is. But they are still so good!!! The ropa vieja looks flawless and I am anxiously waiting to try it! All in all, this is a godsend for a transplant like myself. I wish it was closer to rittenhouse because I'm selfish like that but I will def make my way to Old City when I want a taste of home.

Victoria G.

Yelp
Absolutely delicious! My partner and I had the pulled pork sandwich (big enough to share), cortaditos, flan, and bread pudding. Wanted to try the empanadas, but they were all sold out :(. Definitely coming back to try to get them before they get sold out again.

Kim S.

Yelp
Cubano was the BEST! Fresh, flakey bread was perfection. Plantains were out of this world. Just ate and had to write this place up as they are the real deal, authentic and straight up delicious. Super cute and cozy inside but unfortunately very little seating.

Vale R.

Yelp
What an amazing surprise to find this gem in Old City. Much needed. Much appreciated. 10/10 in authenticity. Hoping this one sticks at this location.

Jazmyn J.

Yelp
I love this cafe. The owner cook and waitress are all good friends of mine and I'm not biased I swear! The food is also delicious I recommend the pulled pork and chicken empanadas!!

Thomas V.

Yelp
Authentic Cuban food and coffee. Most Cuban restaurants don't even serve real cuban food but this one does. The coffee is amazing, get it with a pastelito or croqueta for a great snack or breakfast.

The M.

Yelp
Amazing food and staff. Best Cuban sandwich I've had. Highly recommend if you're visiting Old City or looking for a new place to eat.

Aaron T.

Yelp
Wonderfully authentic Cuban cuisine! Reminds me of some of the great food I've eaten in Miami. Fantastic customer service in this outstanding new eatery.

James M.

Yelp
Call before you go or order online. They just close without notice - and don't tell GrubHub. I ordered lunch today through GrubHub, which took the order and charged me and went I drove over to pick it up, the place was closed.

Andrew R.

Yelp
Stopped in for the first time after walking by this place several times. Ordered a bean soup and half cuban combo. Food was amazing, and the inside was cozy and charming. I can't wait to come back to this place with my girlfriend. With the photos on the wall, it was evident this is a family establishment, and look forward to supporting again.

Lane W.

Yelp
My Cubano and fried plaintains were fantastic. Sweet little family café that's cozy inside. Grabbed a Cubano, Midnight ( Cubano on sweet bread), and fried plaintains for two of us and these hit the spot. Be sure to stop in :)