Sitting above the hustle and bustle of hungry office workers is Local Cuban, an instant hit for those who need a strong dose of a strong cafecito as a proper pick-me-up before a long workday.
As the name suggests, Local Cuban is a Cuban coffee and lunch shop that aims to bring a piece of Havana to Downtown Houston. It is the only one of its kind and has been in business since October 2024.
While Cuban coffee is among the most popular items, alongside guava turnovers, scones, and quiches, there is much more to offer at Local Cuban than small mugs of coffee.
Local Cuban also provides a wide array of authentic lunch items such as El Cubano, a sandwich consisting of roasted pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on pressed Cuban bread. Pair that with a Cuban drink, such as Materva, and you have yourself an authentic Cuban meal.
That’s not to say that the desserts are any less of a delight. Local Cuban houses lots of classic sweet treats, among them being pain au chocolat, muffins, cookies, and cinnamon rolls. Not only are there sweet pastries but sweet drinks as well, with their hot chocolate a pleasant offset from caffeine. There is something savory and sweet for people who are partial to one or love both.
I love to visit Local Cuban for its comfortable atmosphere and very spacious area. Unlike some other coffee shops, which may feel a bit cramped and crowded, Local Cuban is situated on the street level of the Bank of America tower.
Once entering the building, there is no escaping the view leading down to the underground space filled with sitting and lounging areas. Despite Local Cuban being inside of a multi-story corporate building, the underground and street-level space is attractively decorated with greenery and occasional art on the walls. It sets the setting for getting some studying and work done.
For those interested in exploring a new cuisine, Local Cuban offers an excellent introduction to the richness of Cuban culture. In addition to its reputation as a high-quality coffee shop, Local Cuban is located within one of the most prominent study areas in Downtown Houston.
Come in and unwind after a long day, chat with classmates, and relish the free Wi-Fi it offers. If you are like me and enjoy studying and working in a comfortable social space, then this is the perfect spot for you.
Visit Local Cuban’s website at https://localcuban.com/home and follow @localcubanhtx on Instagram.