19 Dec Eater LA: 10 Supremely Delicious Cuban Sandwiches to Try in Los Angeles
Eat like a 19th century cigar factory worker
By Joshua Lurie Dec 19, 2017
The Cubano, a sandwich supposedly created in the late 1800s to feed cigar factory workers (often Cuban) in Tampa, has become a regional culinary juggernaut. The sandwich can now be found across the U.S. and typically combines the pleasures of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a pressed roll. Occasionally, you’ll even find classic Genoa salami. Those bygone factory workers would probably recognize many of L.A.’s best Cubanos, which are fairly textbook, but some stray from tradition. Find 10 of the city’s most compelling versions that span the spectrum.
Porto’s Bakery & Café, Various Locations
The legendary Porto family’s oldest existing location has been a Glendale mainstay since 1982. Stanchions help maintain order for customers who flood twin dining rooms and a sea of tables. Their simple, but effective Cuban sandwich ($6.15) involves roast pork, ham, pickles, Cuban “dressing” and Swiss cheese on an airy, crackly crusted house-baked roll. Pro tip: If you don’t want to order any pastries or potato balls, it’s possible to access the express line, which speeds up sandwich consumption. 315 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale, 818-956-5996, www.portosbakery.com
Source: Eater LA