Tropical Cafe

Reviews

• Paul S.

  star star star star star 3 June 2026

  Have been coming here for 17 years even at their old location on st Andrews
  I have my fav the Pork Platter (lechon). It is the BEST in south FL perhaps the best north of Cuba!!  Even beats Versailles in Miami!!
  Had their famous Cuban sandwich too (excellent ) but keep coming back for the pork
  Umberto the owner will greet you st the door - you will not be disappointed!!!
  
  Still the best Cuban in florida and I'm thinking Cuba too!!

• Lourdes R.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  Tropical Cafe... This little cafe has served as an institution in Fort Lauderdale for decades. If you haven't been, then your missing out on some great culture and food. Delicious authentic Cuban food prepared fresh everyday. Have a hunch for something different not on the menu? Let the owner know. He will recommend a chef special that will leave you wanting enough to take home. Great family-friendly environment. Great lunch spot for work. Menu prices are extremely affordable and quantities are plentiful. Don't miss this FTL gem.

• Sasha G.

  star star star star_border star_border 23 May 2026

  Was in the mood for some Cuban food so I decided to stop by. It was around lunch time and as I walked in I noticed there was no one dining. I always get weary about walking into empty restaurants but I decided I'm already here let me give it a shot.
  
  I ordered the grilled chicken special for $8 with rice beans and plantains and it came with a soda. The rice abc beans were okay. The sweet plantains were gross. They were mushy and very oily. The grilled chicken wasn't the best. It was very over cooked and had a weird garlic after taste.
  
  Overall the food was a 2 out of 5. I won't be back.

• Monica G.

  star star star star star_border 22 May 2026

  I am so glad the mechanic at Pep Boys recommended this place while I waited for my oil change.   I had asked the mechanic for a place to eat walking distance and he told me there was a Cuban place that was really good. "Cuban?" I asked, wow I've only seen a handful of Cuban spots in Ft. Lauderdale so I was excited to see what this was about.  
  
  Tropical Cafe is nothing fancy, a simple hole in the wall, mom and pop Cuban restaurant.  Nothing modern, just 8-9 outdated tables in an outdated shopping mall center.  You know the kind that makes you wonder if you should be eating there or maybe if it's safe to walk around that area. Mostly every store in the mall is closed or out of business. Well don't let that fool you...take that leap of faith and go for it.  So glad I did!  
  
  I walked in and the one waiter attended me quickly. He seemed kind of rough at first but he was fast and on top of his game.  Anyways everything on the menu was a traditional Cuban meal. I didn't have to look much because I already knew what I wanted. My go to Cuban staple...Vaca Frita (fried beef), I omitted the rice and beans for healthier version with salad but I could not say no to the platano maduros (fried plantains).  I also got a fresh squeezed orange juice.  The meal was legit. It cost $10.50 for the plate. I think the orange juice was $4. Portions were good & filling but did not  leave you feeling like you wanted to roll out of the place or maybe have a crane come lift you out of your chair. ;P  
  
  Now I know where to go for a quick Cuban breakfast/lunch.  Like I said nothing fancy but hits the spot and flavors are on point.  Free and plenty of parking in the empty shopping plaza parking lot.

• Evan M.

  star star star star star 8 May 2026

  This is a great Cuban/Caribbean restaurant to go to. I come here every Saturday and get the pan con bistec with a twist. The reason why I say "with a twist" is because they put mustard on it. At first, I was curious because I have never eaten a pan con bistec, and then I took my first bite. It was delicious. Different, but delicious. All in all, the have a great variety of Cuban/Caribbean dishes on their menu, and they are reasonably priced. I definitely recommend this establishment. Cheers!