Tucked away on a corner in Treasure Island, Florida, The Floridian Cuban Sandwiches has quietly become one of the most talked-about sandwich spots in the entire country. What started as a small, no-frills counter-serve shop has grown into a worldwide favorite, drawing in locals, tourists, and serious food lovers alike.
The star of the show? A massive 12-inch Cuban sandwich packed with layers of fresh, flavorful ingredients pressed between perfectly crunchy bread.
If you have never heard of this place, get ready to add it to your must-visit list.
The Legendary 12-Inch Cuban Sandwich
Some sandwiches are good. This one is legendary.
The 12-inch Cuban at The Floridian is the kind of meal people plan road trips around, and once you take your first bite, you will completely understand why.
Loaded with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a creamy mustard sauce, every inch of this sandwich is packed with bold, satisfying flavor. The bread is pressed until the outside is perfectly crispy while staying soft enough inside to enjoy every single bite.
Loyal customers rave that after eating a Cuban here, no other place even comes close. One reviewer mentioned ordering the 12-inch with the intention of saving half for later — and ending up finishing the whole thing on the spot.
That kind of reaction says everything you need to know about just how good this sandwich really is.
A World-Famous Spot Hidden on a Florida Corner
You might not expect a tiny corner shop in Treasure Island, Florida, to have fans from around the world — but The Floridian Cuban Sandwiches has earned exactly that kind of reputation. Located at 230 107th Ave, this unassuming little spot punches way above its weight class.
With a 4.5-star rating from over 1,500 reviews on Google, the restaurant has built a loyal following that keeps growing year after year. Visitors from across the country and beyond make it a point to stop in whenever they are anywhere near the St. Pete Beach area.
One long-time customer shared that they have been coming back for 15 years, calling it their absolute go-to for Cuban sandwiches. That kind of unwavering loyalty does not happen by accident — it happens when a place consistently delivers something truly special every single time.
The History Behind Tampa-Style Cuban Sandwiches
Here is something not everyone knows: the Cuban sandwich actually has deep roots in Tampa, Florida, not Cuba. Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood became home to Cuban immigrants and cigar factory workers in the late 1800s, and the sandwich was born out of that vibrant cultural mix.
The Tampa-style Cuban stands apart from Miami’s version because it includes Genoa salami, a nod to the Italian immigrant community that also settled in Ybor City. The Floridian proudly serves this traditional Tampa-style version, honoring the sandwich’s true origins with every press.
One reviewer who grew up in Florida noted, “If you’ve ever had a Cuban in Tampa, you know. This place is good.” That kind of endorsement from a native Floridian carries serious weight.
Knowing the history behind what you are eating makes every bite taste even more meaningful and delicious.
Rice and Beans That Steal the Show
Forget about plain side dishes — the black beans and rice at The Floridian are a full-on experience. Multiple reviewers specifically called them out as a must-order, with one customer saying they are “excellent” and another calling the black rice and beans an absolute must every single visit.
The beans are rich, deeply seasoned, and perfectly cooked, pairing beautifully with the fluffy rice. Add a splash of Cholula hot sauce, as one regular customer recommends, and you have a side dish that could honestly stand on its own as a meal.
Whether you order them alongside the famous 12-inch Cuban or as part of a combo, these beans and rice are not an afterthought — they are a cornerstone of what makes The Floridian such a complete dining experience. Do not skip them, no matter what.
Devil Crabs: A Must-Try Florida Delicacy
If you think The Floridian is only about sandwiches, the devil crabs will change your mind fast. A beloved Tampa tradition, devil crabs are spiced crab-filled, fried croquettes with a crispy outer shell and a bold, savory filling that is completely addictive.
Customers who have been visiting The Floridian for years consistently mention the devil crabs as one of their favorite items on the menu — right alongside the famous Cuban sandwich. The catch?
They sell out regularly, so arriving early gives you the best chance of snagging some.
One loyal customer wrote that they have been getting their Cuban sandwich and devil crab here for many years, always hoping the crabs are not already sold out. That kind of repeat devotion tells you everything.
If you see devil crabs available when you visit, order them without a second thought.
Florida Bean Soup Worth Talking About
On a warm Florida day, soup might not be the first thing on your mind — but the Florida Bean Soup at The Floridian will make you reconsider. Staff members actively recommend it to first-time visitors, and those who take the advice never regret it.
One reviewer called it the “favorite” item of their entire visit, saying the soup was even better than expected after the staff pointed it out. Thick, hearty, and full of flavor, it is the kind of soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
The Floridian also offers other traditional Cuban soups as part of their menu, giving customers plenty of options beyond sandwiches. Ordering a combo — half a sandwich paired with soup — is a smart move if you want to sample multiple highlights without overstuffing yourself on the massive 12-inch alone.
Outdoor Patio Seating and the Laid-Back Vibe
Walking up to The Floridian, you immediately feel the easy, no-rush energy that makes Treasure Island such a beloved destination. The restaurant has both limited indoor seating and a comfortable covered outdoor patio where most of the magic happens.
Reviewers consistently mention the outdoor atmosphere as a highlight of the experience. One customer noted they never feel rushed or unwelcome, even after visiting for eight years straight.
Another visitor brought their dog, Stormy, and was thrilled that the patio was pet-friendly and completely relaxed about it.
The vibe here is quintessentially Florida — casual, warm, and unhurried. Whether you are a local grabbing lunch on a Tuesday or a vacationer soaking up the Treasure Island sunshine, the outdoor seating at The Floridian makes the whole meal feel like a mini getaway.
Good food always tastes better with fresh air.
Hours, Location, and How to Plan Your Visit
Planning a trip to The Floridian is easy once you know the basics. The restaurant is open every single day of the week — Sunday through Saturday — from 11 AM to 9 PM, making it a reliable lunch or dinner option no matter when you are in the area.
You will find them at 230 107th Ave, Treasure Island, FL 33706. Whether you are staying on Treasure Island, St. Pete Beach, or anywhere nearby, the location is convenient and easy to reach.
One tip worth knowing: parking is limited in the area, and some nearby businesses are strict about tow-away zones, so plan accordingly.
Calling ahead to place your order is a smart move, especially during busy vacation seasons. Reach them at +1 727-367-6662, or check out their website at thefloridiancubansandwich.com for the latest menu and updates before you go.
Two-for-One Draft Beers: A Happy Hour Bonus
Here is a little bonus that makes visiting The Floridian even sweeter. Every day from 3 to 6 PM, the restaurant runs a two-for-one draft beer special that pairs perfectly with their incredible food.
One reviewer stumbled onto this deal during their visit and called it a lucky surprise, noting it made an already great experience feel even more festive. Sitting outside on the patio with a cold draft beer and a 12-inch Cuban sandwich in front of you?
That is a pretty hard combination to beat.
For vacationers looking to stretch their budget without sacrificing quality, this happy hour window is a golden opportunity. Come a little early, grab a great table on the patio, order your food, and take full advantage of the daily deal.
The Floridian makes it genuinely easy to have an outstanding afternoon without spending a fortune.
What Makes the Bread So Special
Ask any Cuban sandwich expert, and they will tell you the bread makes or breaks the whole thing. At The Floridian, the bread is absolutely a standout — baked to perfection and pressed until the outside achieves that satisfying crunch that makes Cuban sandwiches so iconic.
Multiple reviewers specifically called out the bread as one of the best parts of the experience. One customer described it as “crunchy and perfectly pressed,” while another praised it for being crispy on the outside yet soft enough inside to eat comfortably.
That balance is surprisingly hard to get right, and The Floridian nails it consistently.
The creamy mustard sauce layered inside the sandwich also gets high marks from regulars, with one long-time visitor calling it the best mustard sauce on any Cuban they have ever tried. Great bread plus great sauce equals sandwich perfection, plain and simple.
Budget-Friendly Prices for Big, Satisfying Meals
One of the best things about The Floridian — beyond the incredible food — is that it will not drain your wallet. Rated as a budget-friendly “$” establishment, this is the kind of place where you get enormous value for what you spend.
The 12-inch Cuban sandwich is large enough that two people can comfortably share it, making it an especially smart choice for couples or friends looking to eat well without overspending. Combo meals pairing a half sandwich with rice and beans or soup offer another affordable way to sample several menu highlights in one sitting.
One regular customer even noted that you can order through Postmates for pickup with no added fee, though menu prices are slightly higher through the app. For the freshest experience and the best deal, calling in your order directly at +1 727-367-6662 is always the smartest and most satisfying option.
Years of Loyal Customers and Glowing Reviews
Loyalty is earned, not given — and The Floridian has built one of the most devoted customer bases of any small restaurant in Florida. Reviewers regularly mention coming back for 8, 10, even 15 years, and many make it their very first stop whenever they return to the Treasure Island area.
Families bring their kids, couples make it a vacation ritual, and locals treat it like a second home. One reviewer shared that the first place their family wanted to revisit on a return trip was The Floridian — not a theme park, not a fancy restaurant, but this beloved little sandwich shop on the corner.
With over 1,500 Google reviews averaging 4.5 stars, the numbers back up what regulars have known for years. Few restaurants anywhere — big or small — can claim the kind of consistent, heartfelt praise that The Floridian receives week after week, year after year.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to The Floridian
First time heading to The Floridian? A little preparation goes a long way.
Arrive hungry — the 12-inch Cuban is genuinely massive, and even seasoned visitors are sometimes surprised by just how filling it is. Sharing with a friend is a perfectly reasonable strategy.
Try to show up between 11 AM and 3 PM on weekdays if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, especially during Florida’s busy tourist season. If devil crabs are on your radar, come early in the day since they tend to sell out fast.
Do not overlook the combo options, which pair a half sandwich with soup or rice and beans for a well-rounded meal. The staff is friendly and happy to guide newcomers through the menu, so feel free to ask for recommendations.
Above all, come with an open mind and a big appetite — you are in for a seriously memorable meal.