Local Cuban

- 800 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002

Sabor! Houston, if you're craving the rich, bold flavors and vibrant culture of Cuba, you don’t have to book a flight to Havana. Tucked away in the eclectic and cool space of the Understory food court in downtown Houston, you’ll find Local Cuban, a true local favorite that delivers an authentic Cuban experience. This charming cafe has quickly made a name for itself by offering classic Cuban dishes, from hearty sandwiches to flaky pastries and, of course, a real Cuban coffee that will kick-start your day the right way. It’s a place that perfectly blends traditional cuisine with a modern, convenient setting, making it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates great food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Local Cuban has carved out a special niche in the Houston dining scene. It’s an ideal spot for those who are on the go but still want a high-quality, flavorful meal. The restaurant is celebrated for its incredible value, particularly its standout lunch deal, which offers a ton of food for a very reasonable price. It occupies a space that used to be a popular spot, and customers have embraced its new identity with enthusiasm. Whether you're a downtown professional looking for a quick and satisfying lunch, a student seeking a quiet place to study with good coffee, or a family-friendly outing, Local Cuban fits the bill perfectly.

This article will take you on a tour of Local Cuban, detailing everything from its unique location and accessible features to its mouth-watering menu and what makes it truly worth choosing.

Local Cuban is nestled at 800 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This address places it within the bustling Understory food court, which provides a vibrant, yet comfortable, setting. What makes this location particularly special is that it’s accessible both from the street level and from the Houston Downtown Tunnels, offering a convenient escape from the city rush. The unique space is described as "eclectic and cool," with plenty of working and studying spaces, making it more than just a place to grab a bite.

The restaurant is designed to be accessible to everyone. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and wheelchair-accessible seating, ensuring that all guests can move about and dine with ease. For those driving, a variety of parking options are available, including a free parking lot, free street parking, a paid parking garage, and paid street parking. This flexibility in parking makes it easy to find a spot, regardless of the time of day or the level of downtown traffic.

The ambiance is welcoming to families, with a family-friendly crowd and amenities like high chairs for the little ones. For those with pets, dogs are allowed in the outside seating area, so you don't have to leave your furry friend behind. The combination of a convenient location and thoughtful accessibility makes Local Cuban a hassle-free and enjoyable destination.

Local Cuban provides a range of services to suit different dining needs, from a quick meal on the go to a relaxing sit-down experience.

• Takeout: Perfect for a busy day, their takeout service allows you to quickly grab your order and head back to the office or home. The food is packaged in a way that makes it easy to enjoy anywhere.
• Dine-in: For a more relaxed meal, you can dine in and enjoy the cozy and casual atmosphere of the Understory space. With plenty of seating and amenities like Wi-Fi, it's a great place to stay and linger.
• Catering: Local Cuban also offers catering services, allowing you to bring their delicious Cuban flavors to your next event or office meeting.
• Counter service: The ordering process is simple and efficient, with counter service that gets you your food quickly. A friendly staff, as noted by a customer, is always ready to assist and answer any questions you might have.

The availability of a water station near the register is also a nice, customer-friendly touch that adds to the overall convenience of the experience.

Beyond the food, Local Cuban stands out with a number of features that make it a standout local business.

• Great coffee: The coffee is a major highlight, with customers raving about their "real Cuban coffee." The menu includes a variety of options, from a classic Espresso and Cortadito to a creamy Cafe Con Leche and trendy Matcha Latte.
• Popular for breakfast and lunch: This is a go-to spot for both morning and midday meals. The breakfast menu is extensive, and their lunch deals are a huge draw for locals.
• Cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere: The ambiance is a perfect blend of comfort and style. It feels like a laid-back cafe, but with a modern, trendy edge that is appealing to a wide range of customers.
• Offers a variety of menu items: In addition to the main courses, they offer small plates, quick bites, and comfort food, catering to different hunger levels and tastes.
• Wi-Fi available: This is a great perk for students or remote workers who want a productive space to work from.
• Modern payments: They accept credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, making it easy and convenient to pay.

The overall vibe is welcoming to all, and the staff is known for being friendly and helpful, as highlighted by multiple positive reviews.

To place an order or get more information, here is the contact information for Local Cuban:

Address: 800 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002, USA

Phone: (713) 485-4674 or +1 713-485-4674

The menu at Local Cuban is a celebration of classic Cuban flavors, with a focus on delivering high-quality food at an affordable price. While everything is worth a try, a few items stand out as must-haves.

First and foremost, the El Cubano sandwich is a fan favorite and a dish that truly defines the cuisine. Made with fresh ingredients and pressed to perfection, it’s a staple that you "definitely" need to try. Another great option is the Pan Con Lechon (pork sandwich), which is perfect for those who love savory and tender meat. Other sandwiches like Pan Con Ropa Vieja and Pan Con Pollo also offer a delicious taste of Cuban comfort food.

For breakfast, the Breakfast Cubano is a unique and satisfying way to start the day. Other popular breakfast items include Avocado Toast and various scramble options like the Eggs Florentine Scramble. The bakery section is also a major draw, with freshly baked pastries that are "super fluffy and light." The Guava & Cream Cheese Turnovers are particularly noteworthy, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. A customer even mentioned that the pastries are so fresh, they are a "must" if you like them.

However, what truly makes Local Cuban stand out is their "crazy good lunch deal." For a very reasonable price, you can get a box with an entrée and three sides. A customer raved about the roasted pork entrée and the mashed yucca side, calling it something they "would eat a whole box of." This specific review highlights the value and quality of the food, even with a minor note about the pork being "a tiny bit dry." The sides like rice, veggies, and, of course, the standout mashed yucca, ensure a full and satisfying meal.

To round out your meal, the beverage menu is excellent, especially the coffee. The Cafe Con Leche is a perfect complement to any sandwich or pastry, and the wide array of teas and other drinks like Materva and Jupiña offer a refreshing taste of Cuban culture. With its delicious food, incredible value, and a warm, inviting atmosphere, Local Cuban is undoubtedly one of the most amazing Cuban cafes in all of Houston.

Local Cuban

800 Capitol St, Houston, TX 77002, USA