La Ideal Sandwich Shop
La Ideal Cafeteria is located in West Tampa at the
corner of Tampa Bay Blvd. and Gomez, only a few blocks
east of Tampa Bay Blvd. Elementary School and Raymond
James Stadium.
Never judge a book by its cover; what it lacks in exterior
appearance it more than makes up for with its mouth-watering
Cuban food and potent Cuban coffee.
Once inside, you'll be greeted by the enticing aromas of
Cuban coffee and delicious home-style Cuban food.
La Ideal is a popular gathering spot for locals in the predominantly Hispanic West Tampa community.
The atmosphere is highly charged and the dining area is always filled with patrons during lunchtime.
The clatter of dozens of simultaneous conversations and Cuban music fill the air to make your visit
an exhilarating experience for all your senses.
Numerous awards for best Cuban cafeteria hang on the walls, along with past newspaper articles about La Ideal's popularity.
This award in 1997 was from a local publication called "Weekly Planet."
La Ideal menu
Coffee beans are ground and then brewed to perfection in constantly running espresso makers.
If this Cuban coffee doesn't get you moving, nothing will!
La Ideal's energized atmosphere reflects the personality of manager Mario Aguila, Jr. Constantly back & forth from the kitchen to the dining area serving customers, taking orders and making more coffee, he wears a perpetual smile as he works, laughs, sings and dances to the upbeat Cuban music.
My favorite is the steak sandwich, served piping hot on pressed "Cuban" bread. Marinated in Mojo sauce and served with grilled onions and fried shoestring potatoes right in the sandwich. I prefer no condiments on mine, so I can savor the full flavor of the mojo and potatoes. Lettuce, tomatoes and cheese are optional for only a quarter.
La Ideal Cafeteria is very affordable and it is a
MUST VISIT stop if you are ever in Tampa!
Check out another review about La Ideal and their Cuban Sandwich, with great pictures and close up of the menu on the wall.
La Ideal Page 1 La Ideal Page 2