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by Vanessa Daniel
 If you like the smell of Cuban cigars and café con leche while reading your newspaper in the morning, then you will love the 4th of July Café. Located on the Southeast corner of North Howard Avenue and Main Street in the heart of West Tampa, this classic Cuban sandwich shop has been in business since 1921. Manager Armando Padron Jr. has the right idea opening the café at 5a.m. allowing the early birds to get their caffeine fix with their well-known café con leche, as well as serving the business professionals a fast on-the-go lunch consisting of your classic Cuban options.
When you first walk up to the old beat-up brick building and proceed inside the stainless-steel door, you find a large room occupied by old tables and chairs typical to any cafe. Once you take a deeper look, you will see why this establishment has been a favorite of many loyal customers for years. Originally the State Bank of West Tampa, the building features antique European tin tiles on its high ceilings and crown molding surrounds their wooden-arched windows. The counters, previously used as bank cages are now filled with cigars and cigarettes for sale, and the kitchen, formerly the safe, is still comprised of thick 21-inch walls. The service, which included the manager and one waitress, both prepared the meals behind the counter on an open stove top, as well as handled the customer interactions. The menu consisted only of a few sandwiches, but with the lack of choices came a lack in the price as well. I first tried the Cuban sandwich, which came in two sizes, regular for $2.90 and large for $3.25. The crisp Cuban toast was filled with sliced pork, ham,  Swiss cheese, and loaded with all of the toppings. Next I tasted the steak sandwich ($3.50, $3.90). A healthy portion of Palomilla steak, sautéed onions, melted Swiss cheese, and again all of the toppings between two slices of pressed Cuban toast, was enjoyable with every bite. The café’s deviled crab ($1.45) needed a bit more flavor, which I corrected with a dollop of hot sauce, but was a healthy portion of crab meat mixed with onions, then breaded and baked in the stove when ordered. Other items on the menu included a hamburger ($1.90, w/cheese $2.15), French fries ($1.25), packaged pound cake ($0.40), sugar cookies ($0.80) and breakfast items such as cheese toast ($1.00) and the establishment’s renowned café con leche ($1.00, $1.25, $1.50), a perfect blend of espresso and steamed milk guaranteed to spark your senses in the morning.
With the unique twist of the traditional atmosphere found in West Tampa, it is no wonder the 4th of July Café is considered this week’s Hidden Gem. Known throughout the Cuban community as a gathering place for friends and family, this café has the right idea offering quick service, great food and cheap meals to please its devoted followers.
4th of July Café
1611 N. Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 5 AM - 2 PM
6/9/2005
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