Smokies Cuban Cafe - Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Aaron B.

Excellent food... Can't wait to go back.

We had the pork chunks with rice and beans and sweet plant... Pork chunks were fantastic. Well seasoned with a slightly crispy outside and tender inside. The beans were well seasoned. The homemade hot sauce was also fantastic. We had a beef and cheese empanadas that was also really good.. the guava and cheese pastry was yummy... it's not too sweet and really creamy. The service was also excellent. She was very sweet and helpful with the menu.
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Tina V. W.

We enjoyed the food and service so much that we went back the next day. Definitely will go back. If you like a Cuban Sandwich, try the Croquette Sandwich! It was a step up from their delicious Cuban. If you hungry, treat yourself to the Milanese Steak! And don't forget the Coffee Shot!

David D.

Aww man. When we first walked in, the place looks brand new and I thought to myself, another disappointing Cuban sandwich? The picture on the menu looks promising...but not getting my hopes up. I have been disappointed too many times. Anyone can grab a photo of a true Cuban from the internet. But what's this? ROPA VIEJA? That's authentic Cuban Cuisine. So we order the Ropa Vieja and, of course, the Cuban sandwich. The Ropa Vieja comes out first with rice and frijoles negras, and fried plantains. Since I was waiting on my sandwich, I took a bite of the beef and about melted. I am used to it being chewy, the beef covered in the tomato- based sauce but not infused. My first bite of THIS Ropa Vieja really surprised me. The beef is infused with the sauce so that, chew after chew, the beef is tender, flavorful, and full of sauce. My opinion is changing... Next up to the plate is The Cuban. It is oblong, flat, and toasted on Cuban Bread!!! Looks good from a distance, lets check it out up close. You see, as all my Cuban Sandwich lovers already know, it's not only the bread, the ingredients...but it is also the BUILD. The roast pork, the sliced ham, the Swiss cheese, the sliced dill pickle spears, and the mustard, neatly stacked so that each bite has all the right flavors. This is a legit Cuban restaurant! Yet the decor looks brand new! When our waitress comes over, I ask how long they have been open (thinking maybe 6 months) FOURTEEN YEARS! Every Cuban Sandwich searcher knows the struggle is real, so when you find the legit thing, chills accompany every bite. Cuban sandwich and Ropa Vieja notwithstanding, the meal was finished with a Cordaito and Tres Leches.

This place is authentic and a rare gem in a land of pancake restaurants and mountain coasters (oh, and the MAJESTIC vistas, the INCREDIBLE arts and crafts community, and ALL the great, friendly people!)

We will be back again before heading home.

Marisol H.

A True Cuban Gem in the Smoky Mountains!

This restaurant is a wonderful showcase of authentic Cuban cuisine. From the very first bite, you can taste the homemade flavor and the love they put into every dish. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious — perfectly seasoned, generous portions, and full of that traditional Cuban taste that takes you straight to Havana.

On top of that, the service was outstanding. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. You can tell they truly care about giving each guest a great experience.

Honestly, this place elevates Cuban food to a whole new level and is a must-stop if you’re in the area. We’d come back again and again!

Colleen

Went for the weekend to Pigeon forge/Gatlinburg . This Cuban place never disappoints . Cuban sandwich was tasty . Had black beans and rice yuka fries and ham croquettes . Finished off with guava empanada and the flan was extra creamy

Jeremiah S.

The sandwiches here are all-star. I had a Cuban and weeks after the fact I still remember that crispy loaf and tasty meat (pause). If I'm in pigeon forge again I'll definitely visit this cafe!

One tip: avoid the sodas. They aren't worth the price, in my humble opinion.

Danae S.

One of the best Cuban coffee shop I’ve ever been , coffee was the real cortadito and the butter toast make me remind my childhood in my beautiful Cuba … I love found this place 😍🥰

Cori W.

Holy smokes! Nearly forgot to take pictures, the food looked and tasted soooo good!! Little restaurant off the strip here in Pigeon Forge, but so glad we found it! Atmosphere nice, music and chatter of a healthy restaurant. The food was plenty and done right. Hubby got the Cuban & fries. Sandwich was even and generous throughout. Fries were golden. I have the Veggie, sweet plantain and a guava and cheese hand pie. The lovely lady taking care of us was very pleasant and quick on the refills. HIGHLY recommend giving this place a try!!

Aaron B.

Excellent food... Can't wait to go back.

We had the pork chunks with rice and beans and sweet plant... Pork chunks were fantastic. Well seasoned with a slightly crispy outside and tender inside. The beans were well seasoned. The homemade hot sauce was also fantastic. We had a beef and cheese empanadas that was also really good.. the guava and cheese pastry was yummy... it's not too sweet and really creamy. The service was also excellent. She was very sweet and helpful with the menu.
.

Tina V. W.

We enjoyed the food and service so much that we went back the next day. Definitely will go back. If you like a Cuban Sandwich, try the Croquette Sandwich! It was a step up from their delicious Cuban. If you hungry, treat yourself to the Milanese Steak! And don't forget the Coffee Shot!

David D.

Aww man. When we first walked in, the place looks brand new and I thought to myself, another disappointing Cuban sandwich? The picture on the menu looks promising...but not getting my hopes up. I have been disappointed too many times. Anyone can grab a photo of a true Cuban from the internet. But what's this? ROPA VIEJA? That's authentic Cuban Cuisine. So we order the Ropa Vieja and, of course, the Cuban sandwich. The Ropa Vieja comes out first with rice and frijoles negras, and fried plantains. Since I was waiting on my sandwich, I took a bite of the beef and about melted. I am used to it being chewy, the beef covered in the tomato- based sauce but not infused. My first bite of THIS Ropa Vieja really surprised me. The beef is infused with the sauce so that, chew after chew, the beef is tender, flavorful, and full of sauce. My opinion is changing... Next up to the plate is The Cuban. It is oblong, flat, and toasted on Cuban Bread!!! Looks good from a distance, lets check it out up close. You see, as all my Cuban Sandwich lovers already know, it's not only the bread, the ingredients...but it is also the BUILD. The roast pork, the sliced ham, the Swiss cheese, the sliced dill pickle spears, and the mustard, neatly stacked so that each bite has all the right flavors. This is a legit Cuban restaurant! Yet the decor looks brand new! When our waitress comes over, I ask how long they have been open (thinking maybe 6 months) FOURTEEN YEARS! Every Cuban Sandwich searcher knows the struggle is real, so when you find the legit thing, chills accompany every bite. Cuban sandwich and Ropa Vieja notwithstanding, the meal was finished with a Cordaito and Tres Leches.

This place is authentic and a rare gem in a land of pancake restaurants and mountain coasters (oh, and the MAJESTIC vistas, the INCREDIBLE arts and crafts community, and ALL the great, friendly people!)

We will be back again before heading home.

Colleen

Went for the weekend to Pigeon forge/Gatlinburg . This Cuban place never disappoints . Cuban sandwich was tasty . Had black beans and rice yuka fries and ham croquettes . Finished off with guava empanada and the flan was extra creamy

Marisol H.

A True Cuban Gem in the Smoky Mountains!

This restaurant is a wonderful showcase of authentic Cuban cuisine. From the very first bite, you can taste the homemade flavor and the love they put into every dish. Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious — perfectly seasoned, generous portions, and full of that traditional Cuban taste that takes you straight to Havana.

On top of that, the service was outstanding. The staff was friendly, welcoming, and genuinely attentive. You can tell they truly care about giving each guest a great experience.

Honestly, this place elevates Cuban food to a whole new level and is a must-stop if you’re in the area. We’d come back again and again!