Washington, DC
For Cuban in Washington, the local food press points to Colada Shop and Casta's Rum Bar. Picks from Washingtonian, updated July 2026.
Editor’s picks
Press picks, until locals rank their own Top 5s. Sourced from the local food press. As seen in Washingtonian. Updated July 2026.
Colada Shop · 14th Street
An all-day Cuban cafe on 14th Street from Barmini alum Juan Coronado, where the pina coladas and fresh-mint mojitos are as much the draw as the food. The Cuban sandwich has a loyal following, and ham croquetas and flaky empanadas fill out the counter case.
Casta's Rum Bar · West End
Arian Castaneda, whose family has run a Cuban cigar company for four generations, opened this West End room on New Hampshire Avenue. The Cuban sandwich flies its bread in from Florida, and a picadillo empanada rounds out chef Alberto Vega's menu of Cuban staples.
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