Home > Table Talk > Archives > 2008 > July > 31 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWhere’s Your Favorite Cuban Sandwich?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
SAD TO SEE IT GO …. KOOL KORNERS CLOSES, BUT YOU CAN STILL GET A CUBAN AT FROM HAVANA TO U
PHOTO: Phil Skinner/AJC
With Kool Korners closed, there aren’t too many kool spots around to munch down on that krazy kombo of Cuban bread, pork, ham, cheese and mustard with pickles. This is such a great loss to the city, but don’t fret: there are other spots to get a good Cuban.
Here are a few I like:
Palomilla’s — This family-owned spot in Norcross is hands down the best Cuban food in the Atlanta area. There is a strong sense of community here, and it’s transcendent, as if that dish of grouper in salsa verde (a thin piece of tender fish in a creamy sauce of garlic and parsley, blanketed with three sauteed shrimp) came with its own white dove and olive branch. Masas de cerdo, chunks of pork that are so tender they shred from the fork with the tiniest of nudges, is Palomilla’s very own Happy Meal. And the Cubans rock — fat, pressed sandwiches gooey with cheese and rich with meat flavor.
Havana Sandwich Shop — Bright yellow, with windows barred, this old-time fave serves some darned good Cubans, plus a full-scale cuban menu with tamales and empanadas. It’s crowded at lunch time, so plan on a line.
Papi’s — A Midtown favorite, this family joint serves sandwiches plus much more than just meat pressed with cheese — like tamales and papa relleno, a potato puff stuffed with pulled pork. (There are two other locations in Kennesaw and Stockbridge)
From Havana to U — This cozy, family-owned spot in Alpharetta serves up an ooey gooey version of the Cuban, plus a dose of hospitality and a borad Cuban menu.
Where’s your favorite Cuban sandwich?
Permalink | Comments (29) | Post your comment | Categories: Dining
Comments
By Gordon
July 31, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Papis in Kennesaw right off Chastain is the best Cuban around. Its filled with cheese, ham and smoked pork that is delicious!
By J
July 31, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Nope…havana sandwich shop is the best.
By southside girl
July 31, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Papis in Stockbridge!
By Stanley
July 31, 2008 4:24 PM | Link to this
The New Yorker Deli on 322 Pharr Rd. Makes the best Cuban. I luv it. Everyine I had try the Cuban there loved it. I’ll put my everything I got on there Cuban Sandwich being the best. Heres there number 404.240.0260 tell them Stan sent ya.
By Stanley
July 31, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this
The New Yorker Deli on 322 Pharr Rd. Makes the best Cuban. I luv it. Everyine I had try the Cuban there loved it. I’ll put my everything I got on there Cuban Sandwich being the best. Heres there number 404.240.0260 tell them Stan sent ya.
By Retards
July 31, 2008 4:37 PM | Link to this
Havana Sandwich shop. None better. Y’all are retarded.
By Jake
July 31, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
Mojito’s, the Cuban restaurant in the city of Norcross.
Every time that I have had a sandwich there, whether the Elena Ruth or traditional Cuban, it has been fantastic.
Oh, and the plantains that come with the sandwiches are great.
Oh, and the freshly made Mojitos are great too.
By AUGirl
July 31, 2008 4:55 PM | Link to this
Havanna Sandwich Shop all the way. I love going in there late afternoon and grabbing one. It’s quiet-no line and no one bothers you.
By Save Mama Fu's
July 31, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Please don’t turn the Mama Fu’s into Burger Joints
That is right, the Toco Hills location is already closed. Peachtree Street is next. The owner is turning them into Burger Joints. The owners name I believe is Manny. Please save the Mama Fu’s
By BlondeHoney
July 31, 2008 4:59 PM | Link to this
Best cuban sandwiches are nowhere to be found in atlanta…gotta go to my hometown miami and head over to casa larios or latin american cafeteria
By Todd
July 31, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this
Trackside Grill in downtown Kennesaw has an awesome Cuban! I enjoyed Kools Korners for years and am sorry to hear about the closing.
By Drew
July 31, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
Little Havana on Chamblee Tucker Rd has a great Cuban Sandwich among other tasty choices.
By 74Dawg
July 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this
Coco Loco.
By Whuh?
July 31, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
DEFINITLY Havana Sandwich Shop…How it didnt get a mention here is a catastrophe.
By Not Kool
July 31, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this
Does anyone know what happened to Kool Korners? That is so sad. It was such a great place.
By Meridith Ford
July 31, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this
Hey Whuh? Havana sandwich Shop DID get a mention …. wassup?
By scott
July 31, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
havanna sandwich shop rules!!!!
By Huh?
July 31, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
She must have a relative at Palomilla’s or she’s never eaten there yet it keeps getting top mention. The food is mediocre at best. Certainly not worth a second trip. What is that about?
By Anne
July 31, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this
Don’t like any mentioned here….but if you’re ever in Tampa, FL….try the deli counter at La Teresita….mmm mmm mmm.
By Michael
July 31, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this
I happened to catch the owner of Kool Korners walking out of the store last week. He said that the owner of that block was selling the property to someone he assumed wanted to redevelop it. They could no longer afford to stay. He said perhaps they would look for another affordable location, but it didn’t sound that likely.
By JJ
July 31, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this
Check out Mojito’s in downtown Norcross. Awesome cuban sandwhich!
By sarah watson
July 31, 2008 6:49 PM | Link to this
I just wish one of the Cuban rests. would import the bread from Tampa or Miami. I agree with blondehoney on the authentic ones being in Miami, but while we are here in ATL, Havana Sandwich Shop is closest, but they still need to fly the bread up here.
By WAM
August 1, 2008 8:13 AM | Link to this
From Havana to U is very, very good. Not authentic, but tasty. Sad to see Kool Korners go, but it was kind of hit or miss there in recent years.
By D
August 1, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Love the Havana Sandwich shop on Buford. Add a side of black beans and rice to that sandwich. Yum.
There is a new place (Rey’s Cuban Grill) way out in Loganville that is wonderful. Well worth a try especially if live out that way.
By L
August 1, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this
Kool Korners was the Best in Atlanta!
Rumor is that there’s a new spot opening up in Dunwoody that will serve the same sandwiches as Kool Korners.. The guy from Kool Korners is helping them get setup and then he’ s moving to another state to be closer to his kids. I hear it will be called Caden’s Corner.
By L
August 1, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Kool Korners was THE BEST IN ATLANTA!!
The guy from Kool Korners is helping to open a new Sandwich shop in Dunwoody that will serve the same great authentic Cuban sandwiches he did!
The place will be called Caden’s Corner and it’s opening in the Fall. Look out for it!
By Gordon M.-TAMPA
August 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
The Columbia Resturant @ 21st & 7th av in Tampa-OLDEST & BEST!
By Kar
August 11, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
I’d rather have a medio noche than any Cuban sandwich.
By Las Palmeras....Down the street from Papis, but not flashy! Authentic! Sweetest Owner!
February 27, 2009 6:29 PM | Link to this
Oh, how we miss Havana! I don’t believe it will ever be rebuilt, although they would love to. Maybe you could follow up on that?
And what about Las Palmeras?? In midtown, an old house sandwiched, kind of secretly, back in the neighborhood? I wish that little place would get more attention. He doesn’t have fancy furniture, he doesn’t have his business chained, so he’s not good enough for many…but that makes him authentic! Gosh, I’m getting so hungry thinking about it, that I think I’ll go there tonight! He also has a marketplace and a giftshop. He’ll stand around for hours and tell you of his life in Cuba, and about his politics…his son and wife are awesome, too. We love Papis, but nobody there will hang out and talk “Cuba” with you at the table! And his wife makes your food! Go down the street from Papis and go to the secret little authentic Cuban restaurant that’s been there FOREVER and doesn’t advertise….Las Palmeras. Yummmm……