Cuban Cafe

156 Front St NE, Salem, OR 97301, United States
+1 503-884-5453
$$$ Cafe
(79 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Cuban Cafe, a beloved hidden gem nestled in the heart of Salem, Oregon. This charming café invites you to experience a slice of Cuba, right on Front Street NE, with a mouthwatering selection of authentic Cuban cuisine that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere, often enhanced by the delightful aroma of freshly prepared dishes wafting through the air. The friendly staff, led by the owner, Antonia, are not just employees; they are passionate custodians of Cuban culture, eager to share their love for the food and make everyone feel at home.

Cuban Cafe’s menu is a vibrant celebration of flavors, featuring standout dishes such as the Cuban Sandwich, a must-try for any visitor. This sandwich is a glorious construction of tender, well-seasoned meats paired with soft, fresh bread that’ll make your heart skip a beat with every bite. Patrons rave about its authentic taste, showcasing the essence of Cuba in each flavorful layer.

Another highlight is the Cuban Shrimp Cocktail, a refreshing medley of succulent shrimp tossed in mayonnaise and ketchup, complemented by juicy bites of pineapple. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also transports you to tropical shores with its sweet and savory profile. Don't forget to indulge in the Tamales Cubanos, prepared with a passionate touch, featuring steam-kissed corn kernels and seasoned pork wrapped in banana leaves, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor in each mouthful.

And for the health-conscious, the menu includes refreshing organic smoothies and juices. The Charge Up Smoothie combines organic spinach, cucumber, avocado, and pineapple to create a nourishing, tropical delight, while the Heavy Metal Cleanse Juice serves as a potent detox that will rejuvenate your body.

Customers consistently praise their experience at Cuban Cafe, noting not only the remarkable cuisine but also the genuine service. Dylan Weitman declares it “the best Cuban sandwich” he’s ever had and expresses excitement at returning to try more dishes. Andrew, who stumbled upon the café, describes it as a “great hidden gem” and emphasizes the kindness and warmth of the staff. From savoring the perfect sandwich to enjoying an iced mocha that rivals more popular coffee shops, every visit feels special.

In the bustling café scene of Salem, Cuban Cafe stands out not just for its food but for its welcoming environment and the genuine connections made between staff and patrons. Whether you're in search of an authentic Cuban meal or simply a cozy spot to unwind with a great cup of coffee, Cuban Cafe awaits you with open arms and a rich menu just waiting to be explored. Don't just take our word for it—experience it for yourself and see why locals and visitors alike return time and time again!

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Happy-hour drinks
Happy-hour food
Late-night food
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Spirits
Wine
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safe space
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cash only
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Tuesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Wednesday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Thursday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Friday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

79 Reviews
Dylan Weitman

18 Sep 2025

I’ve tried a lot of Cuban sandwiches and this is by far the best Cuban I’ve ever had. Seems to be the most authentic. I’m excited to go back and try the empanadas. The lady working here seems to know her stuff! Thanks Cuban Cafe! I’ll be back

Andrew

30 Aug 2025

What a great hidden gem! I accidentally stumbled across this place and I am so happy I did! The woman who worked their was incredibly sweet and hospitable. The sandwich was on soft bread filled with flavorful, well seasoned meat! The sandwich was so large that I didn’t finish it! I highly recommend swinging by. I know I’ll be goi ‘n back to try their coffee!

Cody “PrecisionBeatz” Newberry

22 Aug 2025

Cuban Cafe is amazing. My friends and I drove from Lebanon just to try an authentic Cuban sandwich. The Cubano sandwich here is perfectly delicious. A calm and refreshing atmosphere inside. The service is excellent and the woman who served my friends and I took care of us well. I would have lunch here often if I lived nearby.

Kirk J

26 Jul 2025

I've had a lot of Cubano sandwiches in my life and this one is one of the best. Pair it up with an iced chai tea or cold beer on tap and it's just about heaven. And, Antonia behind the counter is just the sweetest lady.

Walter Sacha

13 Jul 2025

The owner is very nice and she made me some food very quickly because I was in a hurry and it was delicious.

Laila McComb

07 Jul 2025

I had a wonderful time here!! I walked in and was pointed to the menu, in which I got my friend and I a Cuban Sandwich. The sandwich reminded me of home and was quite obviously made with love. I also ordered a (very) affordable iced mocha, which tasted better than most of the other coffee shops downtown. The service was fast, and very very kind! I would 100% recommend this place and will be visiting again soon!

Sergio Salinas

24 Jun 2025

Best coffee in Salem by far. The Cuban Sandwich is a must, full of flavor and the quality/size/price can't be bested. One Sandwich is enough to share, but by the flavor, you would not want to share a bite. I have tried coffees around the city and here they have the best one. The owner is a great and nice person that make you feel welcome all the time. Will be back here for sure.

Tricarico Schwartz

28 May 2025

Fantastic food and excellent service. Antonia patiently answered all of our questions to ensure we could eat due to food allergies and showed us every ingredient we asked for! She was so kind and the food was delicious! We will definitely be back for more. Pictured are the pork tamales (no gluten, dairy, soy or nuts), beef empanada, and nutella latte. They were large, generous portions at a great price, too.

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