Havana Sandwich Queen
4800 Broadway, Union City, NJ
(201) 319-1818
Havana Sandwich Queen
888 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY
(718) 292-0017
This weekend, my buddy Jon and I decided to return to Union City for a full-blown exploratory mission, in order to scope out new Latino restaurants to check out in the area for future posts. But before we got ourselves involved in a major food-finding mission, we were absolutely starving, and wanted to get something to eat first.
I’ve had my share of Cuban sandwiches in the past, and I’d like to say I’ve probably had the best one on that planet, that being at the Latin American Cafeteria Restaurant in Miami. I figured that if we had any chance of finding Sandwich Cubanos anywhere near that caliber in Jersey, they would be in Union City. I noticed on our approach to the center of town there was a shopping center, with ample parking (something that is in short supply in Union City) sporting the name “Havana Sandwich Queen”. We parked the car and headed in.
Storefront on Broadway in Union City.
True Miami-Style Cuban Sandwiches await, in nearby Union City. Click on the “Read the rest of this entry” link below for more.
The decor is tropical and the restaurant is warm and inviting, something that many Union City eateries, most of which are takeout-focused, sorely lack.
The sandwich ordering counter, with Sandwich Cubanos all ready for pressing.
Here you can see some of the typical menu items listed above the counter.
Sandwich Presses, essential hardware for making Sandwich Cubanos.
A Papa Relleno and a Croqueta, mashed potatoes that are deep fried and filled with meat.
Inside of a Ham (Jamon) croquette.
Papa Relleno stuffed with Picadillo (spiced meat) mixture.
Fresh Juices (Jugos) blended with ice, Mango and Passion Fruit.
A half-size (6 inch) Cubano Especial, which has two kinds of salami on it in addition to the standard Lechon (Roast Pork) and the sliced ham, melted swiss cheese and pickle. Definitely an excellent example of this type.
Pan con Lechon, Roast Pork Sandwich.
Cuban Sandwich closeup. Believe me, it tasted as good as it looks.
Pan con Lechon closeup. The pork was nice and juicy, although both Jon and I hit it with some hot sauce to give it some extra kick.
To wrap up, a Cortadito, or Cuban style espresso.
Off The Broiler 
Which cubano was better? The one here or in Miami?
Stylistically they are very different. The one here is really more of a traditional style, one that you would find in many different Cuban sandwich shops in Miami and in other parts of Florida, although it was one of the better types of that style I’ve had anywhere. The one at Latin American Cafeteria is a unique sandwich, because its so huge, with such large amounts of meat, and it is prepared in a different way.
Have you been to La Pola on 54th & Palisdae Ave. st in WNY, right by the high school/baseball field area. The sign says “King of the Cubano” on the front, and he is. This place is a gem. They put a mojo sauce in the sandwiches. They also do a huge whole roast pig business around christmas. This guy has been in the record a few times too.
I live locally and am a big fan of Havana Sandwich Queen, so much that I got into a debate with my Cuban assistant. Because of that we got take out from HSQ, La Pola and Mundo Latino (North Bergen) and tried all three at the same time (with another Cuban friend to settle any debate). We all agreed that they were all excellent and we were unable to determine a clear winner. I think all three are at the top in Union City/North Bergen.
Keith
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Hi..im interested to find out whats in your standard USA/Miami? pork sandwich ?
Im from the UK,and was tatching a tv drama called dexter,and was interested in these pork sandwiches they mentioned a few times.
Is it pork in its real form? or is it more like the manufactured style re-pressed meat ?
man im so hungry right now ..thanks:)
Amigo Jason, I agree with you 100% about the sanwiches from Cafeteria Latin American specially the one on Coral way in Miami. I am a Cuban sandwich aficionado and an expert and had tried cuban sandwiches from all over the country and even PR. (large cuban comunity in P.R.) By the way their cuban is the most authentic thats why they are the best. any one alse its just a poor resemblance of a cuban.However here is a list of the next best cuban sanwiches in the World.
No. 1 Latin American , Miami
No.2 Havana sandwich cafe, Bloomfield, New Jersey
No3 La Ceiba, San Juan , P.R.
No.4 Habana Cafe, Atlanta, Ga.
No.5 Floridian, St. Pete, Fla.
No. 6 La Pola, Wny, NJ
No. 7 Pan Con todo, Union City, nj
No. 8 Havana s. Queen,
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I visited Havana for the first time today and it was delicious…Check out my visit..http://youtu.be/XHMyLu-BKYo