Elena's Cuban Cafe - Lakeland

I'm from Broward and love Cuban food. There's a small place where I usually stop when I go south because I couldn't find a place. That's until I found Elena. The food is spectacular! Empanadas - both beef and guava cheese, so crispy and perfect. The first bastards? Holy cow. The hubs and I shared, and there was a lot for both of us. The black beans and rice were so delicious. And the café con leche is fabulous. Really, the food is so good.

Friendly welcoming atmosphere, genuine authentic Cuban food, inexpensive. Try her chicken yellow rice!

Man, I just had the best lunch experience! I ordered from the door dash and my special request was EXTRA and I honestly thought they were able to do it, but they did! And it made my lunch so much better! I am very picky about my cuban food because I feel I can cook my gpa's recipes better than most restaurants, but Elena's not disappointed! I ordered her daily special chicken Fricassee and the chicken fell from the bone, so good. Her mojo yucca was not dry AT ALL, and her beef empanada was also good. All extremely gREAT prices, and the portions were HUGE! But above all my special request was my Fav! Cold cut tomatoes, vinegar and hot sauce to put on my black beans and rice (also very good taste)! Also great shots, how good it was packed! Plastic bags packed all my containers individually, the polystyrene had a cutout so my empanada 't soggy, and everything was in a stacked brown bag with adhesive tape to make sure no one touches my food before me! Great job Elena's. Thank you. -Katherine

I love eating here. The food (all I tried on the menu) is fantastic. They have daily specialties. The only thing I'd say is they're open Monday to Friday. No weekends.

Ownership and staff are great, friendly and welcoming. Food is delicious reasonably priced. Service is quick. We've never been disappointed with a meal from Elena's.