Jumbo Cuban sandwiches packed with thick meats lure in a local crowd at this mom-and-pop storefront eatery in Albany Park.

by Marla Seidell

In Short
Salsa music and tangerine walls, vintage posters of Havana ladies make for a cheery and laid-back environment, complemented by the Perez family's friendly, homey service. The menu is simple yet substantive, including appetizers such as the Tostones (fried plaintains) and empanadas, along with a variety of Cuban-style sandwiches: hamburger, pork, steak, chicken and seasoned beef. A popular favorite is the Cuban sandwich made with big slabs of proscuitto, Virginia ham and sliced pork.