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Welcome to Francis Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in Tampa, Florida, at 4901 W Linebaugh Ave. This charming little spot, known for its authentic Cuban cuisine, captures the heart and palate of every visitor who walks through its doors. With a phone contact of +1 813-960-9480, it’s easily accessible for those craving a taste of the Cuban culinary tradition.
Walking into Francis Cafe feels like stepping into a delightful culinary escape. From the aroma of freshly cooked dishes to the vibrant atmosphere, it is clear that this cafe is deeply rooted in Cuban culture. The menu is a delightful showcase of flavors, featuring breakfast sides like crispy French Fries and savory Cuban Sausage, alongside warm and inviting croquettes and stuffed potatoes as your new go-to appetizers. Don't miss out on the rich Black Beans Soup and Red Beans Soup that elegantly reflect the cafe’s authentic roots.
Highlights from customer reviews paint an enthusiastic picture of the dining experience. Mimi Rogo emphasizes that Francis Cafe serves the most delicious and authentic Cuban food, boasting generous servings that could easily satisfy two meals. Indulging in Ropa Vieja over yellow rice is but a taste of what makes this cafe special; daily-changing menus ensure a variety of options. The friendly and bilingual staff, as noted by Chase Winslow, add an inviting warmth to the dining experience—making it accessible for both Spanish speakers and those who might stumble over their words.
Patrick Kelly's experience perfectly encapsulates the sense of community that Francis Cafe fosters. Even amid challenging times, like during the hurricane, their dedication to serving the community shines through, welcoming everyone with warmth and delicious breakfast sandwiches. However, it's not just any meal; customers rave about their steak sandwiches and hearty breakfast specials that leave a lasting impression.
While the cozy setup only accommodates a few tables, the atmosphere feels intimate, making it a delightful spot for a small gathering. As noted by Allie C, the small mom-and-pop vibe adds to the charm, and calling ahead for dinner is a wise move to ensure you don't miss out on their fresh dishes. Patrons like Ellie Bowers O. have voiced the desire for extended hours, proving just how popular this place has become among after-work diners.
Overall, Francis Cafe stands as a culinary beacon for those seeking authentic and affordably delicious Cuban food in Tampa. Each dish tells a story, inviting patrons to savor the rich flavors and heartfelt cooking. Whether you're stopping in for breakfast or picking up dinner on the go, Francis Cafe promises a meal filled with warmth, flavor, and a taste of Cuba that lingers long after you've left.
“ They serve the MOST delicious and authentic Cuban food around! Its about 8 a meal with a hearty serving size of meat rice and bean type of your choice and either plantains cooked soft or yuka. It always makes two meals for me. I speak enough Spanish to order all my food that way but they can figure out what you need regardless, though if you don't know any Spanish you may struggle just a bit to communicate certain things. Today I got Ropa Vieja and Picadillo over yellow rice with Yuka. The menu changes daily but picadillo is usefully always an option and on Fridays they always have Ropa as an option. ”
“ Stopped in Francis Cafe after getting a haircut at Champions Barber next door. Normally, this restaurant isn't open on Dundays, but because of the hurricane and people without power, they decided to open for the day. They were extremely nice and courteous. We ordered 2 breakfast sandwiches, a cafe con Leche, and a sunny D. Awesome little spot to stop in for some Cuban food. We will be back!! ”
“ I will give them more stars but they close too early and even we got there 15 minutes before closing, they make us the most delicious Cuban sandwich , please change your closing hours... So many people came there after work. ”
“ Very clean restaurant and bathrooms. Fat and friendly service. Bilingual. Authentic Latin/ Cuban Food is very good tasting. ”
“ Small mom and pop Cuban restaurant that we totally enjoyed eating at!! There are only 5 tables so either you call, order and pick up or just swing by and see if you are lucky enough to find a spot to sit in. The food is great, the steak sandwich is HUGE and so well seasoned! Hubby loved it!! I'm a breakfast person so I had their Francis special. Pretty great, not greasy at all so that was a plus. They have fresh food to go, the menu changes daily so it's advisable to call ahead to order dinner on your way home from work!!! I'm sure your family will enjoy Franci's cooking!! We'll be back next week forsure! Oh... And the cost? Umm.. Yes it's definitely affordable ”
“ I have been coming here since 2013 and it’s like coming home to family every time. The food is delicious Cuban cuisine, and the staff is the friendliest ever. It takes sitting at a table 5 minutes observing to notice that the employees welcome the regulars by first name and those regulars keep coming back like clock work. We absolutely love it here. Also, everything is made from scratch. ”
“ They are located straight west on Linebaugh from Tampa Rd just before the Dale Mabry. They are located across the street from Mad Hatter Performance. The strip mall is one of a few malls dedicated to servicing a variety of cultures (Cuban,Dominican and Ethiopian etc.) jThe food was tasty and flavorful. The prices were reasonable and the portions were satisfying. Parking is ample depending on the time of day. The service was welcoming. ”
“ Delicious coffee and food! Really nice staff! ”