Azúcar Cuban Cafe

Great new spot with real Spanish food. None of that fake stuff that's around here. It's so hard to find legit Spanish food in this area and now we have. We will definitely be coming back over and over.

Cuban food lovers pay attention! Azucar in St Pete needs is a delightful new addition to the growing selection of Cuban eateries in Pinellas and they deserve your attention! We stopped in for breakfast at Azucar on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend after seeing a piece about them on "I Love St Pete." What got me excited to try them specifically was their seeming focus on street food items like croquetas, papas rellenas, and empanadas--while some Cuban food spots on this side of Tampa Bay like La Segunda or Bodega have Cuban Sandwiches and empanadas covered, not everyone does croquetas. Now, for someone like me, who grew up on those deep-fried, ham-filled, finger food-sized bits of goodness, that's just a crime, so I welcome any Cuban/Latin American joint to the area who serves them as long as they do them right.Let me assure any other croquetas fan reading this that Azucar DOES do them right, and a whole lot more!A few things to note before you go. Azucar is located in a tiny space next to the Wheelhouse on Central Ave--they took over the space previous occupied by Ohio Pizza Pie. Their business at the moment is mostly pick-up and carry out because they have VERY limited seating on site--basically a few tables and stools to accommodate patrons waiting on their to-go orders. Not to worry, though. Aside from calling in your order and picking it up, Azucar also utilizes GrubHub and Door Dash, so delivery is an option, too. Also, note their business hours. Azucar is open daily 8am-5pm, so they're targeting the breakfast and lunch market in the area. That means it's just about perfect for getting your cafe con Leche or cortadito first thing in the morning along with a breakfast empanada or tostada. That brings me finally to the food. Almost everything Mel and I tried that morning was delicious. The croquetas--obviously the first thing I tried--were perfect. Their ground ham filling was flavorful and reminded me of mornings with my dad in Hialeah, eating from corner cafes and walk-up spots. The breakfast empanadas also were excellent. Made from house made dough and filled with scrambled eggs, mozzarella cheese, and sausage, they have great flavor on their own, but be sure to try them with the dipping sauces they have to offer. If I have to be truly critical of anything, it was the papa rellena we ordered. The mashed potato stuffing needed some seasoning and the picadillo at the center, while flavorful, wasn't fully heated through. Little things that I'm sure will be corrected by the next time we order from them, which will be soon! Oh, and let me just say this: do NOT leave without ordering the Dulce de Leche empanadas. They're served up piping hot, covered with powdered sugar with Dulce de Leche caramel dripping out after every drop. Amazing stuff!

Elliott was so fabulous that our accidental discovery of this wonderful and delicious restaurant was definitely worth the visit. The El Cubano sandwich was delicious and Elliott threw in some delicious churros and plantains. He was a wonderful host and so gracious! Loved the restaurant!

As a proud Cuban, I must say that your cafe truly captures the essence of our rich culinary heritage. The moment I step into your cozy establishment, I am immediately transported back to the streets of Holguin, My hometown, where the tantalizing aromas waft through the air, inviting me to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.Your Cuban sandwich is simply divine. The way you combine the succulent roasted pork, savory ham, and tangy pickles, all pressed to perfection, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on my palate. It's a true masterpiece that pays homage to our beloved traditional dish.And let's not forget about your empanadas! The tenderness of the meat, combined with the aromatic spices, is a testament to the skill and passion you put into your cooking. Each bite takes me on a journey through the heart and soul of Cuba.The maduros are an absolute delight. The sweet caramelization showcases the versatility of our beloved plantains. They are the perfect complement to any meal.Finally, your dedication to capturing the essence of Cuban desserts is commendable. The creamy flan, with its luscious texture and caramel drizzle, is a sweet indulgence that I simply cannot resist. And the tres leches are a true taste of nostalgia.Thank you for bringing a piece of Cuba to our community. Your passion for our cuisine shines through in every dish, and I am grateful to have such an authentic Cuban experience right here in our own town. ¡Felicidades por su exitoso café cubano!

Came here on a whim looking for coffee & I am so glad I did! The service was wonderful - great suggestions by the cashier & my order was ready in ~5mins. I ordered the cheese balls & yuca fries, so so good. They were perfectly crispy, flavorful & fresh! The dipping sauces were amazing as well. I will absolutely be back!

I went back in December, lovely place great service and food. I tried the croquettas de jamon, an amazing Cuban sandwich, guava pastelito and a mimosa. All made when I ordered. Prices are great for the quality of food. The owner was very kind, told me about the stores history and also gave me great recommendations for other places to try. Now Parking, it's a shared plaza and not huge but should be easy enough to find parking.

This place is so good but I can never catch it open during their hours, lol. Foods delicious though.

Nice place, food is great and the Cubans are awesome Highly recommended if you are looking for Cuban food in St Petersburg

¡Azúcar! We stopped by the small café for some quick apps and we loved it! We had the beef empanada; las croquetas; los churros; and I was La Galana! We also tried the drink made of caña and it was good. We definitely want to return and we also want to eat next door for more ¡Azúcar! See, I left a review...

It is a must! I grew up in Miami and I was immersed in the Cuban American culture thankfully so. I was obsessed with the Cuban sandwich as a youth for some reason, can you blame me? Something about the umami mixed with the tartness of pickles, and the velvety finish of the cheese on the tongue and the crunch of the bread. This family made recipe is the most incredible Cuban sandwich in my region in Tampa bay in my ever so humble opinion. The black bean soup with its aromatic signature brought me back home with its taste and flavor. It does need a smidge bit of reducing to thicken the broth and intensify the flavors, but still the best I have had north of Miami. Pay them homage and find out for yourself. Rubio appears to be an honorable man and a pillar of decency and driven to improve his community. His wife organically constructed some of the family inherited recipes that blow away any corporate food that might be two bucks less. I am looking forward to see how they evolve. Hat's off to this entrepreneurial family and how they may conquer this very competitive market place. If you wan to close your eyes and imagine the old day's. Get your Cuban food from this place.