NOT TRADITIONAL

HIP HOP
CUBAN CAFÉ
NO BS.

Handmade empanadas, Cuban coffee & Jersey attitude. Born in a garage, taking over the block.

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NUTLEY, NJ · FRANKLIN AVE

Everything Bagel empanada breaking open
THE DROP
THE COME UP

FROM THE GARAGE
TO THE BLOCK

It started in a two-car garage. A family recipe. A dream that didn't make sense on paper.

Today, Cubita Café is the place North Jersey won't shut up about — Cuban coffee, handmade empanadas, and a vibe you can't manufacture. We didn't plan any of this. It just happened.

THE FULL STORY

Meet Gus & the full Cubita story —

Gus rolling empanada dough at Cubita Café
EST. 2021
FRESH FROM THE LAB

THE LINEUP

Chef Gus is always experimenting. Here's what's dropping hot daily.

OG CLASSIC Everything Bagel empanada

Everything Bagel

Cream cheese, everything bagel seasoning, pure Jersey innovation.

JERSEY STAPLE Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese empanada

Taylor Ham, Egg & Cheese

The NJ breakfast classic, wrapped in handmade dough.

THE CLOSER Guava & Cheese empanada

Guava & Cheese

Sweet guava paste and melted cream cheese. A Cuban dessert classic.

SEE THE FULL LINEUP
Cubita Truck parked outside Cubita Café on Franklin Ave
FRANKLIN AVE
THE VIBE

NOT A RESTAURANT.
A FEELING.

We're a hip hop Cuban café. That means the playlist is fire, the coffee is strong, and the energy is real. No white tablecloths. Just good food and Jersey attitude.

"Honestly the best empanadas I've ever had. This place is a gem."

— Some guy on Google
PULL UP
THE WORLD OF CUBITA

POLAROIDS FROM THE BLOCK

Real shots from the shop, the truck and the street. No stock photos. Just how it actually looks.

Cubita Café storefront at night with neon sign
Franklin Ave, lit up at night.
Close-up of freshly baked empanadas
Everything bagel empanadas, fresh out the tray.
Latte art being poured into a pink Cubita cup
Cuban coffee with real latte art.
Cubita hoodie with empanada crown artwork in front of the truck
Cubita crown hoodie posted up by the truck.
Cubita bag with mural background
To-go bag drop with the Cubita mural behind it.
Gus at the food truck window throwing a shaka
Gus at the window, all vibes.
WE OUTSIDE

BRING THE NOISE

Cubita catering tray

CATERING

Cuban trays for offices, parties and weddings. Feed the whole crew, look like a hero.

FEED THE PEOPLE

We'd follow up with details as soon as we can.

Cubita Café food truck

FOOD TRUCK

Pulling up to parking lots, block parties, and weddings across North Jersey.

BOOK THE TRUCK

Tell us the date and we'd roll up with the truck.

PEOPLE TALK

NORTH JERSEY IS WATCHING

Press + blogs that won’t stop talking about Cubita.

Best of Essex 2025 medal
NJ.COM · 2022

A NEW CUBAN CAFÉ IS CHANGING THE RULES.

Read article →
THE MONTCLAIR GIRL · 2022 Cubita Café NJ.COM · 2022 Best NJ Restaurants 2022
FOR THE CREW

JOIN THE CUBITA CREW

Nutley High only. Get first dibs on drops, after-school specials and surprise menu items. No spam. Just heat.

Texts sent a few times a week. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply STOP to opt out.

Nutley High students with Cubita bags outside the café
LUNCH & AFTER SCHOOL

FAQ

What is Cubita Café known for?

Cubita Café is known for handmade empanadas, Cuban sandwiches and specialty espresso drinks served in a small hip hop Cuban café on Franklin Ave in Nutley, NJ. Signature flavors like the Everything Bagel empanada and our café con leche make it a local cult spot, not a traditional sit-down Cuban restaurant.

Where is Cubita Café located?

Cubita Café is located at 234 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110. We serve guests from Nutley, Belleville, Bloomfield, Clifton, Montclair and surrounding North Jersey towns.

Does Cubita Café offer catering or a food truck?

Yes. Cubita Café offers Cuban catering trays for offices, parties and weddings, plus a full food truck for outdoor events across North Jersey. You can request catering on our Catering page or book the truck on our Food Truck page.

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