Reviews for Elena's Cuban Cafe in Lakeland, FL
Friendly welcoming atmosphere, real authentic cuban food, reasonably priced. Try their chicken & yellow rice!
Man I just had the BEST lunch experience! I ordered from door dash and my "special request" was "EXTRA" and I honestly didn't... think they would be able to do it, but they did! And it made my lunch that much better! I am very picky about my cuban foodbecause I feel I can cook my gpa's recipes better than most restaurants, however Elena's did not disappoint! I ordered theirdaily special Chicken Fricassee and the chicken fell off the bone, so good. Their mojo yucca was not dry AT ALL, and their beefempanada was good too. All extremely GREAT prices, and the portions were HUGE! But most of all ~ My special request was myfav! Cold chopped tomatoes, vinegar, and hot sauce to put on top of my black beans and rice (which also very great flavor)! Also big shot out to how well it was packed! Plastic bags wrapped all my containers individually, the styrofoam had a cut outso my empanada wouldn't be soggy, and all of it was in a stapled brown bag with tape to ensure no one touched my food before me! Great job Elena's. Thank you so much! -Katherine- Read more
I love eating here. The food (everything I have tried on the menu) is fantastic. They have daily specials. The only thing I... would say to keep in mind is they are only open Monday to Friday. No weekends. Read more
Ownership and staff are great, friendly and welcoming. Food is delicious & reasonably priced. Service is quick. We've never... been disappointed with a meal from Elena's. Read more
I wish I could leave NO stars. I wanted a chicken empanada and Cuban sandwich. I should?ve known they were no good when they... were out of chicken AND beef empanadas! Secondly the Cuban sandwich was soooo disgusting! They use the cheapest meat possible! Iwas looking for AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD! If I wanted a deli sandwich I would?ve at least went to Jersey Mikes! I was expectingroasted pork, these folks used pre-sliced pork? they didn?t even put onions . The ham was cheap as they come, and was full ofgristle-YUCK ! THE CHEESE lol? seemed like some, white American cheese just without the taste! It was clumpy and just throwntogether. Smh idk HOW they have so many good reviews! That place was ridiculous! I?m mad I left a tip , and I?m thinking aboutthrowing up the little bit I did eat? into the trash on top of the rest of the sandwich that I threw away! Read more
Being Cuban and even living in the Tampa Bay area where you would think Cuban food would be easier to find I personally thought... this was better than any Tampa Cuban food restaurant. Flavors in the food that I had were definitely more authentic and worthdriving to. You can find Cuban food in Tampa but the flavors are just not quite there from my experience. Maybe I just haven?ttried them all. I grew up in Miami where you can find Cuban food in just about every corner and yes there?s good and there?s badbut I haven?t really found anything in top of that just says this is great Read more
Elena?s is a wonderful gem in Lakeland, and certainly a hidden one. It?s tucked peacefully into a corner strip mall on Edgewood... Drive and is more than easy to drive past and never notice. That?s what I did until I started working for DoorDash. This placeis super popular on there and it?s really a great option if you want that delicious Cuban food (and let?s be real- you know youdo). I?ve put in several pickup orders through DoorDash and they are always ready super fast. Currently Elena?s drive thru isthe only thing open so a to go order or delivery are your two options. Their empanadas are absolutely fantastic- the chickenone has tiny chunks of chicken with cheese and it just melts in your mouth. The guava and cheese is a classically incredibleempanada as well that I have to get every time- there?s no other option but TO get it. They have juices and smoothies as well-and predictably the guava one is fantastic, though they have other fun options like mango, passionfruit, and more. Their chickenand rice is really good and a lot of the entrees come with fried sweet plantains- those are uniquely wonderful. I really do loveand recommend this place! Read more
I am from Broward and love Cuban food. There?s a little place I usually stop at when I head south because I could not find a... place. That is, until I found Elena?s. The food is spectacular! The empanadas- both the beef and guava & cheese, so crispy andperfect. The first pork chunks? Holy cow. The hubs and I shared and there was plenty for us both. The black beans and rice wereso delicious. And the cafe con leche is fabulous. Really, the food is that good. Read more