I've been coming here for many years, since they were known as Paseo and were around the corner from home in Fremont. They were just steps away from the old Buckaroo, and I've enjoyed nearly every dish on the menu with a beer there. Now...I live far away, but I stop by for a "fix" anytime I am near. It is addictive, you are warned. Before I get to my most recent meal, I'll add that when you wait in line you're bound to hear someone recommending meals and sandwiches to a first timer. What is unique is that over time I have heard folks raving about their favorites, and that list includes, roast pork, grilled pork, thighs, and anything in red sauce. I concur, any of these would be the menu star in most establishments. But the sides are insane too, the vegan beans and the onions are do not miss! For me the chicken thighs and roast pork are absolutely insane and truly addictive. They are worth making an effort to try on your trip to Seattle. These are fine dining great chef tv show cook book quality dishes. I have not been able to come even close to getting the flavors correct at home. And of those, I believe the roast port sandwich is an iconic. Unique, delicious, greater than the sum of its parts, and you can't make it yourself, not even close. A comment on the Cuban/Caribbean theme - This place is unique and better. Go for the food, not the theme. By all means try the other excellent items on the menu including tofu. It is all excellent. It had been six months or more since my last visit, and my whole body was craving a Caribbean Roast pork sandwich by the time I searched parking. I parked a block away amid the local homes and walked over. Your right on the main street as you walk up to the colorful building with adjacent outdoor covered seating for about twenty. There is a bus stop right there. Read the menu and figure out what you want. I strongly advise against modifications, these are perfectly crafted sandwiches, every time regardless who cooks and assembles them. You order at the window and they'll scream out your name when your order is up. They do take cards, though for a long time they were cash hold outs. I chose to dine in. I was ravenous having fasted for a doctor appointment, and now to feast! The smell of that roast pork and garlicy sauce as you unwrap your messy sandwich. Get a plate if you are worried about messiness, just add a side of onions if you do. If your hands are small be sure to unwrap as you go otherwise the whole thing could just slide apart. Keep your sandwich together so you get everything in every bite to get the best possible scrumptiousness for maximum pleasure. Yum. The Marcina bread is the basis of the whole thing; one of Seattle's great bakeries. This bread is the perfect size, crumb and chew and just soaks of the sauces and juices without being tough nor falling apart. It tastes great too of course. The garlicy sauce is addictive and probably makes shoes edible. The fall apart tender pork with its magical spicing...unbelievably good. The thick cut grilled and roasted onions, I'm not exactly sure what they do, but these are simply awesome, and I get a side almost every visit. Sliced pickled jalapeños are not too spicy and help add a zing to some bites, it's more the pickle-y aspect than the spicy aspect that really ups the flavor. And lastly, the crunch of that romaine lettuce delivered as a full leaf with spine, perfect textural element both for its lubrication and the symphony one hears when chewing this great work of art. When they run out of bread they run out of sandwiches. This happens on nights when they have days significantly busier than forecast. Getting takeout and having a pre-planned nearby spot to enjoy your meal is a great strategy. Bring supplies to get a good hand cleaning in before and after eating. It's worth it! This isn't the Cuban press sandwich you get in Tampa or Miami and it isn't trying to be. It's its own thing. They do make a The Press sandwich which is more of a riff on that. Just go. A place this good for more than 20 years can only be 5 stars. They haven't changed a thing other than name and location and some of the people. Thank goodness.More
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