Selina's Latin Cafe Brings Cuban Fare to Westchase

Square tables equipped for dominoes line the right side of Selina's Latin Cafe, located at 11961 Sheldon Road.

Handwritten in chalk on a board in the dining room shows today's lunch special, a Cuban sandwich, soda and plantain chips for $4.99

For many who have grown up so close to Ybor City, a local Cuban culture mecca, Cubans are something sacred. It is easy to spot a fake. One simple mistake and the delicate balance of pressed Cuban bread, deli meat, condiments could be lost.

Happily, Cubans are the real deal. The bread is exceedingly fresh which adds a perfect crunch when taking a bite. The mayonnaise and mustard is applied in just the right amount. The sweet ham, roast pork, salami and swiss cheese are fresh and equally sliced. The lettuce and tomato are bright and crispy. All the elements press together and collide for only $4.99. 

It all makes sense.

Owner, Selina Rodriquez-Griffin, knows the pathway to Cuban sandwich perfection. She was raised watching her grandparents, Santos and Teresa Rodriguez, who owned Santos Market in Ybor City. Inside Selina's, their photograph hangs framed on the wall for all to see.

Selina and her husband Dave opened Selina's Latin Cafe in the beginning of 2011. The restaurant caters to breakfast and lunch crowds, with quick and pleasant service that doesn't sacrifice taste or charge too much. 

If you like Cubans, there is a good chance you'll fall head over heels for Selina's Pan con Lechon. The pork is slow roasted in homemade Mojo sauce and cooked onions. Priced at $4.75, each bite of pressed Cuban bread and pork is a revelation. The meat is tender and juicy, and so delicious you won't want to waste a drop. 

Try the homemade black bean soup for $2.50. Usually this soup requires an ample amount of hot sauce, chopped onions and cilantro but Selina's is good just the way it comes. 

For a side dish, the Plantanos are a must. Who can refuse delicious sweet banana but better plantains? Not this writer. And especially with such a generous portioning for only $2.50. They were sweet, juicy, warm and soft. 

For dessert or breakfast, try the Pastelitos with guava for $1.65. But make sure to get there early, because these homemade pockets of yum go fast. 

When it comes to drinks, Selina's has a variety of imported sodas that are fun to try, especially the watermelon. They also offer traditional Cafe con Leche, espresso, and some tropical fruit smoothies. 

Whether it is a Cuban sandwich or a cup of Cafe con Leche, Selina's pays attention to quality and customer needs. In every bite of their food, lies the history of Selina's family and warmth she now delivers with every order.