Best Latin Sandwiches in Hudson County
Just across the bridges and tunnels to the west of Manhattan lies a world of deliciousness from Jersey City up to Union City in Hudson County. One of the world’s most densely populated areas, West New York, Weehawken, Union City and North Bergen are nicknamed "NoHo," a North Hudson haven for actors and artists. Many of its residents are immigrants from Latin America and other countries, and Italian, Cuban and Spanish restaurants thrive within its diverse community. Known for its Latin-American cuisine, especially Cuban fare, and breathtaking views of New York City, thousands make a pilgrimage to Union City each year to see the annual Cuban Day Parade of New Jersey. To help sort the good from the just OK, ExtremeFoodies asked David "Rev" Ciancio, our expert in Hudson County and West New York, to recommend the best Latin sandwiches in “Havana on the Hudson.” Here are his picks:
1. Pan Con Bistec @ Dos Amigos Restaurant
This no-frills Latin diner owned by native Argentinians offers only two things on their menu: a traditional steak sandwich and smoothies. Why mess with perfection? Their amazing Latin marinated steak sandwich with French fries (American cheese and onions are optional) on toasted Cuban bread keeps fans coming back for more. The menu offers the sandwich in two sizes: “chico," which means child; and "grande," which means large. The grande is big enough to feed two people or have leftovers for lunch the next day. Pro tip: It’s cash only for a piece of sandwich heaven, Fans say they have one the absolute best Frita Cubana sandwiches north of Miami.
2. Marielito @ Pan Con Todo
For a real taste of Cuban cuisine, head to this local favorite in Union City. N.J. The restaurant puts a modern twist on Caribbean/Antillean (Creole) food with an emphasis on its Cuban roots. Don’t miss the Marielito Cubano con Croquetas, which combines a balsero (a traditional Cuban sandwich with grilled ham, Swiss cheese, seasoned roast pork and a mustard sauce) with two crushed ham croquettes inside. It’s muy delicioso!
3. Sandwich Gallego @ Centro Latino Restaurant
Billed as a “Cuban and International Cuisine Bar,” this popular eatery is a great place to sit down and have a meal or just to grab one of their great Latin dishes to go. The diverse menu includes Colombian as well as Cuban cuisine. Don’t miss the Sandwich Gallego, a masterpiece of cheese, roast pork, sausage and Spanish prosciutto on pressed ciabatta bread and served warm. They are known for their "Sandwich De Pollo," but don’t miss the Gallego. It's filled with three kinds of Latino cooked meats. It’s their version of the classic Italian sandwich done Latino: simple, inexpensive and completely delicious.
4. Especial De La Casa @ La Pola Restaurant
Family owned and operated for more than 40 years, La Pola is a small, old-school, counter-service cafe that turns out popular Cuban sandwiches and other Latin specialties. For the best Cuban sandwich outside of Miami, order the Especial De La Casa, which puts a Galician spin on the classic with the addition of pernil, jamón dulce, prosciutto, salami, queso, chorizo and Pepino. All the meats are sliced in house, stacked on Cuban bread, lathered with an intense garlic mojo and grilled to perfection in a small panini press. Add a cafe con leche and a handful of chicharrones for good measure.
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