Cuban sandwiches—Part 1

90 Miles Cuban Cafe
2540 W. Armitage

As anyone who has spent any time in Logan Square knows, this neighborhood has a strong Latino presence through Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Guatemalan identities. With all the gentrification that is becoming ever more apparent in Logan Square, it is important that we recognize and celebrate this other part of the neighborhood. As foodies, we can certainly enjoy the cultural diversity that Logan Square has to offer. That is why over the next few months, I will be reviewing one specific dish that Logan Square has an abundance of—the Cuban sandwich.
I start with the restaurant 90 Miles Cuban Cafe. This place has a fun, campy décor that feels extremely Caribbean. Images of Key West and Havana cover the walls. It's hard not to notice from the street. Some tables have old-fashioned telephones and others, sewing machines. All of the seating is outside. Not to worry, it is heated in an enclosed tent. Can’t say that’s the most sustainable idea, but I digress.
So, to clarify the objective of this series, I am showcasing the different Logan Square eateries that have Cuban sandwiches. We should first understand the origin of this sandwich. Back in Havana, Cuban sandwiches were traditionally the working Cuban man’s sandwich. Cigar makers and the like would enjoy a ham, swiss cheese, dill pickle and mustard sandwich all on Cuban bread and pressed on something like a panini maker (no ridges). Many different variations of this sandwich have popped up around the US, especially in Florida where there are regional favorites (ie. Tampa vs Miami).

90 Miles to Cuba has a traditional version (el Cubano), which was excellent. The sandwich wasn’t spicy by any stretch of the imagination, but it was solid. The mustard and dill pickles make an excellent compliment to the ham. For anyone who has never ever had a Cuban sandwich, this is a recommended first timer. From there, you can venture out and enjoy your pollo and bistec, but let’s get our basics down first.
For a starter, there is no shortage of plaintain and yucca options. I recommend the tostones. This is a twice-fried and once flattened plantain. 90 Miles likes to serve it with crushed garlic on top—an excellent topping since everything should have garlic on top of it in my book. I hate to recommend salt on it, but aside from the garlic, this starter is a little bland. This is most likely a result of me living in the modern age of over-salted foods. If you’ve never had a fried plaintain though, I highly recommend it.
As for drinks, you’re left a little on the sober side. 90 Miles is BYOB. You’re in luck though. If you BYOR (bring your own rum) they will make you an excellent Mojito pitcher that you have to spike yourself. Didn’t bring booze? Well, then I recommend one of their fruit shakes. From Guava to Mango, it’s very tasty and not overly sweetened. In fact, the strong suit of these shakes is that you get to enjoy the natural sweetness of the fruit—something we don’t enjoy very often in our overly processed society.

The Cuban sandwich is a delicious lunchtime option. For a dressed up ham and cheese, 90 Miles to Cuba makes a very good one. Having one only encourages me to venture off and try the other Cuban sandwiches that stemmed from this simple, yet tasty one.

Getting down to Brass Tax:

BYOB.
Date place? No.
Friend Hang out? Yes.
Recommended dish: el Cubano
Recommended drink: Fruit Shakes
Price Range (2 People): +/- $25