90 Miles

If only the cars overflowing from 90 Miles Cuban cafe’s parking lot were all 1950′s vintage Cadillacs and Buicks, like the bright blue one seen pictured in the mural on the wall facing the patio, you may actually believe you have stumbled on a roadside oasis outside of Havana. Walking inside the small shop at 3101 N Clybourn, you are met with shine, both from the polished metal of the counter and, more importantly, from the smiling teeth of the husband and wife owners Alberto and Christine Gonzalez. Juxtaposed to the gleam, rustic wood, old Cuban newsprint as wall covering, and a hand-written menu board add to the warmth of welcome while offering 13 sandwiches as well as breakfast and dinner plates. Options of pork, chicken, steak, and shredded beef give great combinations with the island flavors of plantain and grilled onion. Try the Guajirito: steak, grilled onion, lettuce and tomato between two slices of freshly grilled green plantain, or the Lechon: roast pork, grilled onion, lettuce, sweet plantain and garlic sauce. Sit outside next to the big blue Buick on the wall and wash your Cubano down with some Ironbeer, Cuba’s syrupy national drink, or a papaya shake and don’t forget to heed Christine’s request as you walk out the door: “See you tomorrow!”