The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina

Hidden off the main square this place is a gem. The El Cuban was amazing, fresh, flavorful, and just the right size. Served with perfectly crunchy plantains. Ropa Vieja was also fresh and delicious. Get the large mojito on the rocks, $11 for small and $16 for large! Service was great, very friendly, and the patio is perfect! We will be back for sure!!!

The Cuban sandwich with plantain chips was very good. I was particularly impressed with the plantain chips because normally I don't like them but they were crispy and deliciously seasoned. They seem to have a pretty good selection of beers and cocktails, as well as outdoor and indoor seating. I enjoyed it and would definitely go again.

Wow! How have we never been here since they opened 5 years ago! Now we will go all the time. Come back for the Cuban Colada and Cubano sandwich and the new shredded steak sandwich! Cocktails slay too!

Fun neighborhood place in McKinney's charming downtown. Service was friendly and highly efficient. Food was tasty and reasonably priced. The chips were homemade and not just a garnish. My cortado was the particular highlight, though I'll order a double next time!

This place is stellar. Their cuban sandwich rivals anything I've had in Miami. The Ropa Vieja is my personal fav and the maduros are semi-sweet with a little bit of a crispy edge. If there isn't a festival in downtown and it's an easy going affair.

We've now been twice for lunch and had two great experiences. Small shop with limited seating - a few indoor tables and a small outdoor patio. So far we've not had an issue getting a table during weekday lunchtime. I've had the El Cubano and the Pan Con Lechon sandwiches, and both were excellent. I love the plantain chips. I plan on trying one of the entrees next time. They have a small and reasonably priced alcoholic drink menu. Highly recommended for casual, authentic Cuban food.

Great Cuban cuisine! Very small indoor seating. The Cuban sandwich was tasty I added pickles to it.

We came here in a whim and are sure glad we did. The food was really delicious and perfect sized portions. So many delicious plantain options, all cooked to perfection. The service was friendly and the outdoor seating was nice. Thankfully the weather was cooperating. They have a little mini bar a well with great drinks, worth the stop if you're in the area.

Such a happy, Beautiful location. Best Cuban restaurant in Downtown McKinney I learned, from the artist @ahomesartstuido on Instagram of this mural painting " the woman in this mural is Ana. Onel's The owner of Guava tree truck, His Mother, the woman who taught him delicious Cuban recipes. The Cuban sandwiches here are delicious and my top favorite lunch. Drinks here are super yummy too!

This was my first time visiting the guava tree and I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked it!! Ambiance: It is a very small and cute restaurant! There is tons of picnic style seating outside but there are only a handful of tables/chairs and high top seats inside. There is louder noise level from the music playing on the speakers. Service: The service was incredible!! They kept checking up on us and were very accommodating. Literally the sweetest people work here and it made me feel very welcomed. Cuban sandwich: The sandwich was sooooo good! There is a unique flavor profile with each bite. The Cuban sandwich is like an amazing mix of slow roasted pork and burst of flavor!! Plantain chips: The chips here are incredible! They came out nice and warm and I couldn't stop eating them. I seriously wanted to buy more just to snack on them later. Guava Lemonade: This was my first time trying guava flavored things. It was also so incredible!! Its sweet but also very subtle and it wasn't overpowering like other fruit lemonades from other restaurants.

This is a cute little spot with personality that has a short menu with some good Cuban staples. I had their loaded yucca fries and added chicken . They were yummy, but missing something that I can't quite put my finger on. The staff was sweet and checked in on us while we were enjoying our meal. I think it's definitely worth trying out . I also want to try their coffee - I've heard good things about their cortado !

The only place I've found a better Cuban sandwich is in Miami! WOW. Guava Tree's El Cubano is ridiculously good. The bread is not overwhelming, allowing the classic Cubano flavors of the sandwich to shine. The plantain chips were crispy, salty slices of perfection. The frozen mojito came with an optional guava swirl (do it) and the on-the-rocks mojito had its own unique flavor. Both were delish. Service was attentive and friendly. We sat at the bar top table by the window inside, but there is an excellent patio as well. Make sure you get there in time--they close at 8:00!

The Guava Tree has catered many of the events that we have in our community which is when I initially tried their food. I immediately fell in love with their slow roasted pork that comes with rice and black beans and have been back to order it on a few occasions, especially when McKinney has block parties or festivals. This particular day I was craving a Cuban sandwich, it was suggested that I try the Pan Con Lechon that consists of slow roasted pork, garlic, mustard, cheese, onions with a side of Plantains. I had high hopes for this dish because it's the most popular, however it was a miss for me (sad face) :0( The bread was lacking flavor a bit dry and the plantains were just blah. Don't let this stop you from trying them however like I said the slow roasted pork is a MUST and has me salivating right now!

I am so glad I found this place... thanks for my fellow Yelpers reviews. I love how personal and quaint this establishment is. All the staff are so friendly and go to each table personally to ask if you're doing okay. Makes it feel like you're family! Their menu is very simple but offers authentic Cuban food. We ordered the steak and pork entrees and it was enjoyable. Our favorite was their guava creme pastry. It was to die for!!! I definitely will be back to try their Cuban coffees and alcoholic beverages!

This place has become our favorite anytime we're in McKinney. We went back multiple times a day. You have to try their coffee, but everything is good.

10/10! I only have great things to say about The Guava tree. The food was amazing!!!! Rice was on point, pork was delicious,the drinks were great....this is a great place to go to. Try their plantain chips...glorious! The staff is VERY nice, it is a family owned business and they sure do a great job taking care of you. They have a food truck and some picnic tables outside and they also have a restaurant area, it's a bit small but there are about 2 or 3 tables and a bar. They also have some tables outside on the porch. Go check them out!

Authentic tasting Cuban food. My favorite is the vaca frita and the loaded yuca fries. Great service. Good drinks. It's a little small inside but they do have outside seating as well. Con: During events at the square they limit the menu. The vaca frita is never available which is disappointing since it's my favorite.

We were visiting McKinney for the first time and I found this adorable cute downtown that had Cuban food. Off we went and let me tell you we had cortaditos a Cuban and a ropa vieja sandwich with plantain chips and everything was so delicious. I had never had ropa vieja in a sandwich before it was sooooo good. Ok I forgot the pics of the food but I took a few of the location. If your in town make a stop here for your Cuban food fix.

I have walked by this place and truck many times and finally had the chance to stop in. The store is a bit of a squeeze and I think once it warms up a little, dining al fresco would be really nice! I got beans and rice and the hubs got Lechon Asado with black beans. We are a beans kind of family. My black beans over rice had a few green olives and cilantro. Man, the best beans I've ever had. What I really wanted was this pastelitos which is like a triangular croissant with guava and cream cheese inside. It was heavenly.

If you're Cuban. This is more of a fusion. Pictured is the Garlic chicken w black beans and rice. Flavors good but not authentic Cuban. Basmati rice? I've never had with Cuban food before. No plantains are here. Somewhat underwhelming. Parking was great and walking up having music in the street brought be back! People were friendly and accommodating.

Great Cuban coffee and treats. For best treat selection make sure to come here early. Courtyard outside is great for those walking downtown McKinney with/without dogs to relax at while sipping on their cafecitos.

While walking around downtown McKinney and working up an appetite my husband and I decided to grab a bite at Guava Tree. When we walked in we were warmly greeted by the staff. One of the ladies proceeded to explain the menu and ordering process to us. She told us a little bit about their history and about how they started out as a food truck and eventually opened the their current location. After reviewing the menu, my husband who loves Cuban cuisine, decided to get the El Cubano which is a Cuban sandwich loaded with pork, ham, Swiss cheese and pickles. It came with a side of plantain chips. I absolutely love plantain chips, so we were both happy! We also ordered a Pan Con Lechon to bring home to the boys for them to try out. My husband said the sandwich was delicious, and that it had the right amount of everything! We will definitely swing by to try out more menu items in the future!

Ok !!! The mojito is soo good !! Caution is strong for someone like me who doesn't drink that much it was pretty legit ! Food was good I honestly went there two times for drinks , one time I order food and it was ok is like a very to go style place . Service was nice and quick ambiance was super relax and chill

Made another delicious trip to the Guava Tree for a quick workday lunch. Had the black beans & rice bowl with a Guava Green Tea. The black beans taste even better with a side of their chili sauce. When this Tampa native craves the Cuban flavors of Florida roots, The Guava Tree is my go-to!!

This place is delicious. We ordered the tostones and pork bowl with rice and black beans. The service was super quick, the staff was friendly and the tostones were made to order. The food was flavorful. It's small in the inside but plenty of seating outdoor on the patio and outdoors. Can't wait to go back to try the sandwiches.

Great food! We love the Yuca fries. Food is always fresh and delicious! Must try place in McKinney

This is the best cuban food in the metroplex. Their cuban sandwiches are spot on and their cuban coffee is the best

Super cute!!! Nice vibe. Reminds me of Dallas but in the suburbs. Staff is friendly and has nice energy. We got some coffee and hung around. Will be back for lunch next time.

We gave this place a try for lunch yesterday and so glad we did!! The ambiance, service and food were incredible! We had the Ropa Vieja sandwich and the slow roasted pork bowl. Both were delicious but the sandwich was over the top good! I would recommend this place and urge everyone to give them a try! You will be happy you did!

Best Cuban Sandwich since the movie Chef! Best Caban Sandwich this side of the Mississippi!

After reading the reviews I was so excited to go to this place. Unfortunately this was not our spot. The vegetarian food was overpriced for the dish. We got two rice bowls, one vegetarian and the other chicken. Both the dishes lacked flavors and dint have enough veggies in the veggie bowl. The chicken bowl said garlic chicken to my surprise there was no garlic hint at all. Also the chicken was just cooked with no seasonings too. The staff was kind enough to guide us through the menu. The space is limited however they have a big outdoor picnic seating setup. Overall a really disappointing experience with food!

One of our favorite stops in the square. We have to start every date night out with a cafecito! (that's what happens when you're over 40...) Tostones are great, all of the bowls are delicious! Over the years, it's always consistent. Love the customer service too!

Good food, we had El Cubano Sandwich and Ropa Vieja. Good atmosphere and the staff are friendly. The restaurant had a nice patio if you like the out door dinning!

Figured I'd try this place out since I love Cuban sandwiches, I love pickles, and I love Cuban pastries. My wife found this place online, and naturally we had to check it out. It's located in downtown McKinney, it's a cute little quaint restaurant with a patio seating as well as an indoor bar area and a couple tables to eat at. The staff is very friendly, even the cook came out and said hello, I think he's also the owner and lives local. I had a glass while I waited and they woman that served me was awesome. Onto the food, my Cuban sandwich was nice juicy and delicious, my wife's was as well. Just the right amount of pickles ham and sandwich. The plantain chips were incredible, I've never had them before, but I love them so much I can't wait to go back! Now onto the pastries, incredible, delightful. We got our pastries to go, and the heat it up, a wonderful explosion of deliciousness

I've had better. There's room for improvement, as the pork is really dry, making the sandwich dry and pickles are too thin, not giving you that sharpness. Since it's called Guava Tree, I'd pickle guava with actual pickles to make a relish; and even go as far as mixing guava into the pork marinade. After grilling the pork, I'd rewet it with the juices, assemble and press. Other than that, the artwork on the walls and decor are lovely. It feels as if they're afraid of being criticized for getting out of the box. I want to see actual guava seeds in my sandwich, that's when I'll know there's change. I wouldn't call it bland, I'd call it mild. It doesn't punch you in the face like a Cuban boxer. You don't get a deep rich slow cooked pork flavor. I'd give it a 6/10

Stopped by on a pretty day in downtown McKinney, out of the many choices I'm glad I picked this place. Upon entering the staff welcomed me and helped explain the menu, they are all very friendly and really hustled. I ordered a rice and bean bowl with pork and it was fantastic, the addition of green olives and onion to the beans was delicious and the pork was moist and flavorful. The space is tight but charming, with more seating outdoors. Couldn't take advantage of their bar but they had some great offerings, many included guava which I love. Finished off the meal with a fresh warm pastelito and a Cuban coffee, of which I'm still buzzing after. Please visit you won't be disappointed.

So we were looking for something a little different in McKinney and came across this place. Wonderful! The service was awesome and the Cuban sandwiches were really good! The mojitos... yum! Definitely will be back!

Amazing food and very welcoming and helpful staff. So glad I was told to try this place!

These are really nice folks. They do their best to make sure you are happy. Very clean, real deal Cuban food. So happy we found them. We plan being regulars!

Service was wonderful but the dish lacked flavor. The shredded pork fell apart which was wonderful but I barely tasted the citrus it was marinated in. I was told they don't use a lot of seasonings in Cuban dishes. If I try again I'll be sure to bring something to sprinkle over it to bring out the citrus

Really high hopes for this Cuban restaurant. However left let down. As a Cuban food super fan, this just didn't work out for me. I ordered the shredded steak with rice and beans. The flavors weren't present in this dish, really bland not your standard Cuban seasoning. I also ordered a mojito that was one of the worst mojitos I have had in a while. How are you a Cuban spot that messes up a MOJITO. Personally I would pass on this place. The location has street parking available and a lot nearby just be careful and read signage. The patio was the highlight of the entire visit.

Fantastic, authentic Cuban food and drink. I ordered the Ropa Viejo entree. Fantastic! There's also a sandwich version. I didn't try a cocktail, but they looked good. I did have a Cuban coffee, which was also excellent! Service was fast and friendly.

Was expecting a food truck and was pleasantly surprised to find it's grown into a brick and mortar location. It's got a great vibe the minute you walk in. While waiting for our to go order we started looking at the family photos. The wife-owner struck up a conversation explaining that was her husbands parents and we had a great chat about them. I got a carry o it order and man, this place did NOT disappoint! Our order had plain yuca fries, Ropa vieja sandwich & entree, el Cubano and maduros. Even after a 15 min drive home, opening the containers it was all still hot and fresh and I am telling you - Every single bite was amazing! I've lived in the area for 5 years and this might be one of the best meals I've had. This would make a GREAT date night spot, or outdoor gathering casual event, but also amazing as carry out!

My wife and I are from South Florida and currently living in Prosper, TX. I worked in Miami, the epicenter of Cuban cuisine for many years. Believe me, I've had my fair share of Cuban food. Cuban food in S. FL. Is synonymous with Tex Mex food in Texas. I have several friends in Texas that consider themselves Mexican food aficionados. Ok well, trust me when I tell you, I know good Cuban food! My wife and I frequently look for restaurants that remind us of home. Guava Tree did that and then some. This family run hole in the wall serves up the best Cuban food we've had in the 8yrs living in Texas! Do not miss an opportunity to try something new! It's the best Cuban food north of Miami!

Great lunch. The maduros and the El Cubano sandwich make a great lunch. This place is a gem of a find and we'll be back!

Oh my gosh the food is SO GOOD!!! And the service is 10/10. The only concern is the space, I feel squished when eating there but does that really matter when the food is that good

A small restaurant serving food with big flavors. The food was made to order and quickly delivered to our table. We enjoyed everything in this small but charming place. In the future Ill prob get my good to go.

Came here for lunch, the sandwich was amazing and the plantain chips were sooo good! Came again with co workers everyone left happy.

Best Pasteles de Guayaba y Queso I've ever had... and I lived in Miami for 25 years! Love their happy hour: off-menu, delicious and a great deal.

Came here on St Pattys day with my family. The staff is wonderful, the service is great, place is beautiful and the food is good! We ordered a few things off the menu. The Pastillos were my fav as well as the Cuban Reuben! The guava tea was delicious. We ordered the sweet plantains, which were good but needed a cream sauce of some sort. The plantain chips with the house were good. I felt the sauce was lacking flavor, I used they're hot sauce as a dipping sauce and it was great! I ordered the plate with flank steak rice and beans, it was good but was lacking salt and flavor I'm used to. Portions and presentation was excellent. Will go back.

Came here for the first time today. SO GOOD. I had the Lechón Asado and my fiancé had the pan con lechón they were both great! Looking forward to coming again and trying some of their drinks. Service was great too everyone's super nice and welcoming.

Came in for a quick bite . Was in the mood for croquettes but they didn't have any. so I ordered tostones and a guava cheese pastry . I just wasn't as hungry but next time I'd try their sandwiches. I'm excited to have found this spot by walking by I plan on returning . It's a small location so not intended for huge groups but well worth checking this spot out. Service was good

I have dying to try this place!!! I have a visceral love for Cuban Food and this colorful, friendly spot delivered. The Lechon was on point, the Cuban sandwich had a perfect amalgamation of flavors and the drinks complimented the Rum perfectly. With a casual and inviting family run team, this restaurant made my mouth happy. Definitely coming back!!! Salud! Please bring your restaurant at to The Colony!!!!! Share your culture, food and love for life and family!!!

This was quality and had unique flavors. The price was just right and the staff was very friendly. I recommend the ropa vieja and a side dish to get full but the food was really good.

Yummmm - fresh and delicious. I love the loaded yuka fries. They have a frozen mojito that I will be back to try. It's a cute little place with extra outdoor seating. Close to the parking garage too!

Cute little spot in downtown McKinney - really nice outdoor patio. I'm always on the hunt for authentic Cuban food, and unfortunately this one missed the mark slightly. We ordered Cuban sandwiches and a Cuban pastry. Both were mediocre at best. The pork in the sandwich had a slight BBQ taste to it - which wasn't bad - just not what I was expecting. The plantain chips were slightly overdone and the cheese inside my pastry was curdled. The service was decent, and they seemed fairly busy. May try the other Cuban spots around town to see if they are a little more authentic before coming back here again.

We love this restaurant! The staff is super friendly, very kind and helpful! The food is so good! Amazing Cubano sandwich and the ropa viejo is chef's kiss. The restaurant is very clean. There is indoor and outdoor seating. Love they are playing traditional music. If I wasn't looking out onto chestnut street I would think I was sitting in southern Florida or possibly Cuba (never been to Cuba, but I can dream!) wanna delicious beverage?! Try the gauva green tea (my kids like it sweetened, of course). 6 thumbs up from the 3 of us! Will be back soon! Forgot to take food pics!

I had been craving a Cubano after watching Chef and found this place. Their cubano was DELICIOUS and I loved the plantain chips it came with. I also got some of the guava pastries which were delicious as well.