Steak Sandwich
El Cubanito
2555 N Pulaski Rd
Chicago, IL 60639 (Logan Square)
Alberto and Laritza Ramos have it locked down. Moved to the States in ’07. Opened the “postage stamp” size, 400 sq. ft. El Cubanito six months later and now, churn out 400+ Cubano sandwiches/day—in addition to the totals from the other 6 sandwiches on the menu. Skills. It needs to be mentioned that Alberto and Laritza are also the two nicest people you might ever meet. Located on the 2500 block of Pulaski in the Avondale/Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago, El Cubanito is so small, it’ll have you circling the block saying, “It should be right here. Where is it? Is that it? Google maps says it’s supposed to be right $!&%ing here. Wait, what’s that! Is that really it? I think that’s it.” When you step inside, there’ll be no question.
Immediately, the scent of grilled meats had this mystifying power over me. It consumed my entire body. It knew I was weak. It took advantage of me. It made me order two sandwiches. I had to order the Cubano, no question. But then I felt like I was being taunted by the crack and sizzle coming off the grill. It spoke to me. “Come on. You’ll like me. You can do it. Just eat me.” Judging by the tickling sensation the grilled steak had on my nose, I had a feeling it would trump the transplanted Miami favorite. The verdict? Always follow your nose. Don’t get it twisted—the Cubano is delicious. Cuban bread, ham, roasted pork, yellow mustard, pickles, and butter. Would I get it again? Maybe. I would get it if, for some god-awful reason, they didn’t have any steak sandwiches. The Cubano is a distant second to the steak sandwich. The Jane Brady. The Scottie Pippen.
The thinly sliced and chopped steak wasn’t chewy, but wasn’t melt in your mouth. It was; however perfectly seasoned. The Swiss cheese: mild and semi-nutty. The creamy and yellowy “house sauce”: a mixture of mustard, mayo and maybe oregano—just a guess. It also included some thin slices of tomato and shredded lettuce. A key component was the “Pik-Nik” style shoestring potatoes, adding some additional seasoning and unbeatable crunchy texture. All of this pressed between the crispy Cuban-style bread using a Panini press type deal. What happens during this pressing process is pretty significant, as all the ingredients form an alloy of flavorful deliciousness. It’s ridiculous. Go out and get some. ‘wich Hunt approved. Oh, and don’t pass up the café con leche—Muy riiiiiiiiiicoooo!
• Cuban-style bread
• chopped steak
• queso suizo = swiss cheese
• lechuga = shredded lettuce
• tomate = tomato
• shoestring potatoes = genius ingredient
• house sauce = mustard, mayo and oregano. A SWAG at best.
Notes on the pictures: (Top) South side exterior of El Cubanito. There’s no signage in front. If you’re heading northbound on Pulaski, it will be on the east side of the street. Keep an eye out for this mural that faces the “parking lot.” (Below) Don’t be fooled by the slight of hand. I ate the sandwiches in the comfort of my own home. They don’t have any plates, much less a table, so don’t expect to eat at a nice wooden table with cute little green plates. Oh, and this is only half of the Steak Sandwich. The 1st half didn’t stand a chance.
