First we would like to Thank God and the pioneers of Smokies Cuban Cafe "Armando & Maria" We are a family owned and operated Authentic Cuban restaurant in the center of the Great Smoky Mountains. Carlos (The Chef) Born in Cuba and raised in Miami and learned to cook at a very young age making it his passion, after years of practice and hard work his two dreams were made a reality, East TN became home and he purchased this restaurant.
All the food is cooked fresh from traditional Cuban recipes handed down from generations and with authentic ingredients. Our food is made fresh every morning and items are cooked when ordered. From a shot of Cuban cafesito to get you started in the morning to Pastelitos, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwich, Croquetas, Black Beans and Rice, Roasted Pork, Yuca, Tostones and much more.
All the food is cooked fresh from traditional Cuban recipes handed down from generations and with authentic ingredients. Our food is made fresh every morning and items are cooked when ordered. From a shot of Cuban cafesito to get you started in the morning to Pastelitos, Empanadas, Cuban Sandwich, Croquetas, Black Beans and Rice, Roasted Pork, Yuca, Tostones and much more.
Reviews (20)
Rodney Burlin
Dec 30, 2021
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Once again I have shown up to this business and they have closed early before the stated closing time. Twice I have driven here twice they have been inside with a closed sign on the door. 1st time they saw me pull in and ran to the door. Locked it and switched the sign to closed. I guess they really don't need the business. I am literally outside their door typing this review. Workers inside with a closed sign before time.
Linzy R.
Dec 27, 2021
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A nice little Cuban restaurant in Tennessee it was packed so it must be good! It's family operated everyone is so nice! We ordered 2 beef empanadas, 1 tostada, 1 media noche, 1 colada , 1 cafe bonbon, and 1 bought a bottle of the white sangria! To start we snack on the 2 beef empanadas Omggggg they were so fresh and just done tasted phenomenal the sandwiches are for out car trip I did try a piece of the pork the taste was Devine! As a out of towner I'm Cuban / Puerto Rican mix I was so happy I found this place if you are near Gatlinburg/ pigeon forge this is a must stop place!
Yaimet Daniel
Dec 27, 2021
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Nehiel Rivera
Nov 29, 2021
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A gem! Honestly, a true gem! The food here is amazing and all the employees are super awesome! If you are looking for a great coffee spot, or a spot to sit down and enjoy a great Cuban meal, The Smokies Cuban Cafe is the place to visit! Their rice and beans are full of flavor and their chicken is honestly really well seasoned. I love their food! I genuinely recommend The Smokies Cuban Cafe!
Ruben Cruz
Nov 28, 2021
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My family and I had a fantastic experience. The waitress was friendly and very attentive. The owner of the establishment was there and he noticed right away we were Cuban. We exchanged a couple words in Spanish (Cuban style of course). The food captured the greatness of our island. We all felt at home here and will definitely return.
Josue Pichardo
Nov 24, 2021
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Heather Fritz
Nov 10, 2021
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J. N.
Nov 04, 2021
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WOW!!!! That's the true definition of my entire experience! Let's see...My wife and I had 2 Cuban fritas (Cuban hamburger), a Tamal Preparado, a papa rellena, an espresso and a Cafe Bonbon. I'm not gonna lie...I may have had something else and I'm forgetting right now.
The pork....OMG! It was amazing. I was born in Miami and of legit Cuban parents. I know the cuisine too well. This was hands down the best pork I've had other than my moms' of course. The Burgers were amazing, the Tamal, croquetas and Papa rellena were all as legit and delicious as it gets.
Costumer
The pork....OMG! It was amazing. I was born in Miami and of legit Cuban parents. I know the cuisine too well. This was hands down the best pork I've had other than my moms' of course. The Burgers were amazing, the Tamal, croquetas and Papa rellena were all as legit and delicious as it gets.
Costumer
Wayne Carlisle
Oct 29, 2021
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Elba Glez
Oct 15, 2021
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Kate S.
Jun 30, 2021
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In dire need of lunch after an 8 hour drive, Smokies popped up on my Yelp feed with fantastic reviews and delicious looking pictures. We ordered take out and our sandwiches were ready pretty quick and wrapped neatly in foil.
The lechon pork sandwich was the best thing from here! So juicy and the cilantro sauce we ordered on the side complimented it well. Unfortunately, the Cubano Especial was not the best Cuban I've had. It just tasted okay. We should have ordered the regular Cuban with the pulled roasted pork, since the lechon was so good.
The lechon pork sandwich was the best thing from here! So juicy and the cilantro sauce we ordered on the side complimented it well. Unfortunately, the Cubano Especial was not the best Cuban I've had. It just tasted okay. We should have ordered the regular Cuban with the pulled roasted pork, since the lechon was so good.
Josh P.
Jun 22, 2021
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Family-owned and ran. This place is the type of business I will happily support.
The son is very hands on. He takes time to check on everyone and really listens to their feedback.
Everything I've tried has been incredible. The sandwich Cubano and Lechon asado are some of my favorites.
Pro tip: Ask for the cilantro sauce. It is one of the best sauces I've ever tried and goes well with anything.
The son is very hands on. He takes time to check on everyone and really listens to their feedback.
Everything I've tried has been incredible. The sandwich Cubano and Lechon asado are some of my favorites.
Pro tip: Ask for the cilantro sauce. It is one of the best sauces I've ever tried and goes well with anything.
Mark G.
Jun 18, 2021
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When it comes to fine dining in Ocean City, this is the place for dinner and a date. We had reservations on the patio, which was limited to Four tables of two while we were there. We were also seated as soon as we arrived. We picked later in the evening to watch the sun set and were glad we did, very beautiful and serene environment. Our server was new to the server job, but did a fantastic job, juggling the service at all tables while running in and out with drinks and food. We both had the filet and they were prepared perfectly, very tender and juicy.
Robert S.
Jun 14, 2021
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I had the Cuban Special Sandwich, beef and cheese empanada with a mojito. Everything was excellent. The staff were friendly and quick. The next time I come through, I will be stopping again. I have to suggest you do the same! Try the pineapple ghost chili hot sauce made by the restaurant, it's amazing!
Kathleen K.
May 06, 2021
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Kristin G.
Apr 21, 2021
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Brian R.
Dec 11, 2020
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Yes, miha, there ARE Cubans in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and man, can they cook!
The food is very legit, definitely a hidden gem tucked between the dismal McEateries here.
What they don't make on site is brought up from Miami, including some very legit Cuban coffee.
If you're visiting from a state whose name begins with A, try the cortadito with whipped cream and cinnamon!
If you're from within 100 miles of Havana, where the very mention of whipped cream, on a cortadito, might strike fear in your heart, todos bien! They will make it GF (Gringo-Free) for you, on request.
The
The food is very legit, definitely a hidden gem tucked between the dismal McEateries here.
What they don't make on site is brought up from Miami, including some very legit Cuban coffee.
If you're visiting from a state whose name begins with A, try the cortadito with whipped cream and cinnamon!
If you're from within 100 miles of Havana, where the very mention of whipped cream, on a cortadito, might strike fear in your heart, todos bien! They will make it GF (Gringo-Free) for you, on request.
The
Alex & Elizabeth Williams
Nov 07, 2020
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This place is a must try if you're in the area. Tennessee caters a lot to TexMex and Mexican cuisine, so it was surprising to find a Cuban cafe. The service was excellent and the food was good. We ordered the palomilla steak plate, and empanadas (chicken, and beef). The cafe is clean, and looks newly renovated. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. This place is a hidden gem in the area. We'll definitely return if/when we're in town again.
Mindy Y.
Oct 19, 2020
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Definitely get the Yuca fries with cilantro sauce - very yummy (you may need to ask for more cilantro sauce). And the guava juice -hmmmm- you might find yourself asking for a second glass. Also try the cheese and guava empanada - yum!
My main course was a little normal, but not bad - it's nice to have some ethnic cuisine in Gatlinburg!
My main course was a little normal, but not bad - it's nice to have some ethnic cuisine in Gatlinburg!
Jason F.
Sep 27, 2020
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I stopped by here this past Wednesday night with my wife for dinner. While I had seen the sign for this place earlier in the day, my wife had also found it on yelp. Since we were looking to eat something a little different on this evening, Cuban food appealed to both of us. In looking for a menu online, the only place we could find it was grub hub and so we ended up placing an order through Yelp itself. Shortly after placing our order the restaurant confirmed saying that it would be between 20 - 40 minutes. We arrived at the restaurant at right around the 20 minute mark and I proceeded in
