Elena's Cuban Cafe - Lakeland

I am from Broward and love Cuban food. There’s a little place I usually stop at when I head south because I could not find a place. That is, until I found Elena’s. The food is spectacular! The empanadas- both the beef and guava cheese, so crispy and perfect. The first pork chunks? Holy cow. The hubs and I shared and there was plenty for us both. The black beans and rice were so delicious. And the cafe con leche is fabulous. Really, the food is that good.

Friendly welcoming atmosphere, real authentic cuban food, reasonably priced. Try their chicken yellow rice!

Man I just had the BEST lunch experience! I ordered from door dash and my special request was EXTRA and I honestly didn 't think they would be able to do it, but they did! And it made my lunch that much better! I am very picky about my cuban food because I feel I can cook my gpa 's recipes better than most restaurants, however Elena 's did not disappoint! I ordered their daily special Chicken Fricassee and the chicken fell off the bone, so good. Their mojo yucca was not dry AT ALL, and their beef empanada was good too. All extremely GREAT prices, and the portions were HUGE! But most of all My special request was my fav! Cold chopped tomatoes, vinegar, and hot sauce to put on top of my black beans and rice (which also very great flavor)! Also big shot out to how well it was packed! Plastic bags wrapped all my containers individually, the styrofoam had a cut out so my empanada wouldn 't be soggy, and all of it was in a stapled brown bag with tape to ensure no one touched my food before me! Great job Elena 's. Thank you so much! -Katherine

I love eating here. The food (everything I have tried on the menu) is fantastic. They have daily specials. The only thing I would say to keep in mind is they are only open Monday to Friday. No weekends.

Great food! Easy to order online. Food is ready when time to pick-up.