Aguila Sandwich Shop

This place is still definitely one of my favorite places to go in Tampa for a Cuban sandwich. While the location may be a bit sketch and the wait can be a bit long, I still love it when my sandwich finally comes out. I got the Media Noche this time around. The egg bread has that nice crusty exterior while staying soft on the inside. The slight sweetness of the bread works well against the salty cheese, pork, and ham. Yes, service can me slow. Yes the ambiance is not a strongpoint. But that's not the point of this place. This is a place to focus on the sandwich, and they do it well :)

I had been here years ago, I mean like 10 year ago and I am happy to see that they have survived the pandemic but it's not the same place. Now they are only open through a service window that is open on the right side of the building. I hope that they can fully open again soon. Ben had been wanting to go here for years he said so when in the area and he thought about it (LOL) we went. I wish he would have gotten the full experience from when they were open before and he could see how busy this place can get but these are just the times we live in. We ordered the Cuban to share. I always take off the pickles on my half and give them to Ben to add to his. Something about pickles on a sandwich I just don't like but I will eat pickles any time they aren't on a sandwhich. I know, I'm weird. Ben of course was comparing the sandwich to his favorite spot and pointing out differences like the mojo pork, which I just laughed at and told him that THIS was traditionally how a Cuban sandwich should be served with the mojo. He did really like that part and took pieces out to try just on their own. I personally like this one better for the mojo and that the sandwich comes out evenly warmed throughout the entire sandwich, not just warm on the sides from being quickly pressed. When we are in Tampa and in the need of a good cuban sandwich we will come here. Pulling for them to fully open again sooner rather than later but still happy to see they are able to be open at all.

I came here for a quick bite to eat, at least those were my intentions but unfortunately it wasn't so quick. They only had one outsider diner and one person waiting for a take out order, but I patiently waited for my sandwich to be made for 25 minutes before I quickly became impatient. I ordered a large Cuban sandwich and a medium cafe con leche. I was asked if I wanted both together or my coffee first. I thought I would my cafe con leche shorty after that, but funny thing is that I didn't receive it until afterwards. Service could have definitely been better. You can barely here the person taking your order at their outdoor takeout window since they have this huge plastic shield that extends about 3 feet out so you have to yell to place your order. What's the point of the shield if they're still not wearing face mask inside, this isn't a complaint on the non face coverings, because I could care less, this is a complaint on that stupid plastic shield. The Cuban sandwich was huge and I immediately regretted or such a big sandwich. Should have order their medium or small. The sandwich itself was ok. It came with pork, cheese, ham, mustard and Mayo. I don't remember ever having a cubano with Mayo, but I didn't like flavor it gave the rest of the sandwich. The park was also served shredded which I hate in a cubano. The only positive this is that the coffee was delicious. It was definitely strong and not wonder why lady that took my order looked at me weird when I said no sugar. It was strong. Unfortunately, the coffee alone won't make me go back to this place. I rarely have bad experiences, but when I do, I leave really annoyed. But if their food is delicious I'll usually return despite of the service, but service nor food was good.

I was looking forward to going to this little sandwich shop, but I probably caught them on an off day because service was unfriendly, short, and very delayed. However, to give them the benefit of the doubt, the shop was crowded and there were a couple of other families there that I am sure have caused some stress for the restaurant as well. It seemed as though they were understaffed and it was apparent that some of the workers was fed up.Nonetheless, when I was able to put an order in, I ended up getting the Fried Plantains and the Cubano. The plantains came out burnt and were unpleasantly greasy. The sandwich was better, but nothing to rave about. Overall, the experience was just uneasy and I just wanted to get out of there as soon as possible.I would go back still, but I would go on an off hour to avoid any crowds and hopefully get them when they are not as overwhelmed.

Why have you not been here? Go now! As a Tampa native, I am picky about my Cuban Sandwiches. They really do it justice here. My husband had the Aguilas omelet w/ chorizo. It was also delicious. Huge menu...lots of options. I would recommend ordering online. They make everything to order, so it does take a bit. Totally worth it though.

This place sucks!!!! It gave me indigestion! Whatever youDo, please don't order the Frita sandwich, disgusting!!!!!! The meat was sooooo dry and flavorless. That frita was like eating a dog biscuit between two buns. I can not stress enough how disappointing that sandwich was. Gross!!!! The Cuban sandwich, if you can call it that, was a toasted Cuban bread with the essence of meat. I was literally looking for the meat in that sandwich. They should be ashamed of serving that food. Soooooooo... many more options in Tampa for quality food. I am amazed that they're still in business. Save yourself the money, stomach and time and PLEASE go somewhere else!

Was looking for a spot that made a Cuban sandwich with salami, cause that's how I prefer it, no ham or pork. Figured I'd give this place a try, and really wish I didn't waste my time or money. The amount of reviews with a 4* average was very misleading in my experience.I ordered a Cuban with no pork or ham, just salami, Swiss, lettuce,pickles, and mustard, I order just like this everywhere. I was charged EXTRA for " extra salami" on a large and only got 6 thin slices on a sandwich which had ham and pork. I returned it and asked again for the sandwich I wanted. Yet again disappointed and hungry, I should have asked for my money back and yes I regret leaving a tip now too. My second sandwich came out with 6 thin slices of salami, no extra even though I was charged for extra, Swiss, Mayo, mustard, and yellow lettuce. This is absolutely terrible. I didn't ask for Mayo and never got pickles.I do not recommend this place as they cannot follow a simple order, twice.Oh, and my girlfriends chicken sandwich had the most stale potato bun I've ever seen served with a super thin piece of chicken. She said it was dry and bland.

Used to love to come to the Aguila Sandwich Shop for its Cuban sandwich every time I was in Tampa. The meats vs the toasted bread ratio was always on point. There was the right amount of rich mayo, mustard & pickles in every bite. The mojo tasting pork was pulled apart & spread throughout the sandwich. The salami, what Tampa's Cuban sandwich is famous for, gave it that special lip-smacking taste..! But as all things come to an end & the shop is now in the hands of a different owner, the sandwich, even though still good, it's not exceptional as it once was. Still can order the sandwich by small-regular-large sizes; but now, the salami is upon request and the pork is no longer as mojo seasoned & pulled apart as it once was...needless to say, I was bummed..! Ordered also - Frita Burger ($7.50). The positive - it was big enough to share. The negative - the meat was dry & tasted insipid...it wasn't a best seller for all us that tasted it. This sandwich shop is still worth the visit but it has definitely lost the Cuban flavorful flair it once had. Bon Appétit..!

Place is closed. Están cerrada. Looks like a dump. Don't order from here. I need refund.

Yes OPEN. However, The traditional Cuban Sandwich here, which used to win awards and be the talk of the town, is no longer what it used to be. Strangely there was cheddar cheese on the Cuban. What?!?? Where's the creamy Swiss cheese? Their dill pickles are thin slices and soft n soggy; not crispy dill. The roasted pork is really salty and not mojo flavored. The dining room is no longer open at all and windows are papered over, parking spaces are blocked off with big poles in front and huge equipment parked in the way (intentionally) out back. Only 2 parking spaces available off Hillsborough Ave. person at pickup window doesn't understand nor communicate in English. None of their "award winning" Deviled Crabs available, either. Redeeming value was the warm order of browned, soft n sweet Plantainos. A part of Tampa Cuban culture has apparently died. There are 4 outdoor picnic tables, if you're willing to sit beside loud Hillsborough Ave traffic & fumes on top of hot black tarmac without a roof cover. This current situation goes back throughout 2021, so I'm assuming it's not changing anytime soon.