Tropical Cafe - Fort Lauderdale

My husband and I were on the lookout for a cozy, family-owned Cuban restaurant for breakfast when we stumbled upon this hidden gem. It perfectly matched what I had in mind—low-key, with a simple ambiance. We love discovering local spots like this, especially to support small businesses during these challenging economic times. The cook is also the waiter, and we absolutely adore his Cuban accent. He’s truly a hard worker, and you can see right into the kitchen, which adds to the charm. The bathroom was clean, too, which is always a plus. Be prepared for the café con leche—it’s super strong! This place has a genuine local vibe, and I’m definitely planning to return for lunch. The best part? Breakfast is served all day long! Make sure to meet Humberto, who not only cooks but also serves you with a friendly smile. Here’s a heartbreaking fact: Humberto shared that the plaza where his restaurant is located will soon be demolished to make way for apartments. He’s been there for 21 years, and you could see the sadness in his eyes as he spoke about it. My heart aches for him—he’ll be gone from that location by the end of the year. So, if you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and support him. His business cards include his contact information, and I hope he finds a new place to continue his work. The food is affordable, so don’t hesitate to leave a generous tip. If you’re a fan of Johnny Depp, you’ll appreciate Humberto's character—he has a way of telling stories that really draws you in. He’s truly a delight!

I'm pleased to share that the food is still consistently excellent since my last visit. I make it a point to come here every time I'm in Fort Lauderdale.

I know this place and the owner for the las 20 years and the food and the attention is always good. Highly recommended....

Such an awesome vibe. Small town feel with what feels like regular groups of locals hanging out. We came from Colorado with the goal of finding the best Cuban sandwich here. Yelp lists this place as #7 for that currently, but dang this is good! Super fast and kind service too. Will return if we're ever back in the area.

I had the Cuban sandwich, and it was fantastic! I highly recommend adding the hot sauce. The owner is there cooking and engaging with customers, which is a nice touch. It’s a great spot with a lot of character!