A Taste of Cuba's Soul in San Francisco

Walking into Cafe Lo Cubano at the corner of California and Presidio on the edge of Laurel Village is more like stepping into a friends' home than a Cuba-inspired, Havana Java coffee bar and eatery.

The setting has a red-angled suede Dunbar sofas flanked by living room-like lamps, honey-colored Eames chairs and a painting that could have come from the home of co-owner, Thomas Post. Cuban musical instruments such as maracas, congas and bongos are scattered through the cafe.

Cafe Lo Cubano serves one of the better lattes in San Francisco along with some of the best Cuban music west of Miami Beach. Coffee drinks in large clear glasses are their specialty. So are their empanadas, hot pressed sandwiches, soups, salads, agua frescas (including pineapple-mango), flan, key lime pie, and fresh Cuban guava pastries.

A latte at Lo Cubano is actually called a Cafe con Leche.

Their coffee is made from roasted fair trade organic beans. Their cuisine is prepared by chef Johnnie Alamilla.

A nice selection of Argentinean wines and Cuban beers are also served here.

Live music is performed on Thursday nights (7 - 10pm) by Daniel Maya and Tocar or Los Tres Cubanos. Salsa lessons with Aramis Pazoles are offered for only $10 on Tuesday nights. Cuban Jazz is the music of choice at all other times.

A wide selection of merchandise such as CDs, cookbooks, travel books and novels devoted to Cuba are sold to those looking to take a piece of Cuba home with them.

Cafe Lo Cubano seeks to recreate the “Buena Vista Social Club” of cafes, where Old World Pre-Castro Cuban Cafe society is brought to life with Cuban coffee, cuisine, music and spirited customer service.

Inspired by the cafes of Little Havana, ‘Cubaphile’ and owner Thomas Post recognizes that, “people want alternatives to big brand coffee chain stores.” Cafe Lo Cubano offers an escape from the traditional cup of coffee through a more exotic and enticing alternative.

Check it out. San Francisco-style Vida Cubano is alive and well here.

Cafés
Coffee, Espresso Drinks & Tea
Wine & Spirits



Casual
Cuban
Dine at the Bar
Espresso-To-Go
Late Night Service
Latin American
Take-Out