5 of the best Cuban sandwiches in Dayton

Credit: Source: El Meson

Credit: Source: El Meson

Let’s be honest.

The best Cuban sandwiches in the world require a trip to Key West or Tampa.

That said, Dayton versions of the porky grilled cheese sandwiches give them a run for their money.

Cuban sandwiches, also known as Cubano sandwiches, can be found on more than a few local menus.

Here are five of our favorites.

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MUDLICK TAP HOUSE 

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Address: 135 E. Second St. in downtown Dayton

Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday

Connect to the sandwich: 937-895-4066 | WebsiteFacebook TwitterSnapchat Instagram 

What is it like? Cuban lovers are going to love this one. Layers of roasted garlic stuffed pork shoulder, in-house made pickles, ham, swiss cheese and dijon mustard come in a perfectly grilled hoagie roll.

Price: $13 with house-cut fries or a house salad.

>> These photos are going to make you want to eat at Mudlick Tap House now

EL MESON

Credit: Source: El Meson

Credit: Source: El Meson

Address: 903 E. Dixie Drive, West Carrollton

Hours: Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; dinner 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Connect to the sandwich: 937-224-3767 | WebsiteFacebook Instagram

What is it like? You'll think you are munching on something tasty in  Little Havana. El Meson does a classically delicious Cuban with a choice of ham and pork, chicken or grouper, pickles, mayo, mustard and Swiss cheese.

Price: It is served with soup or salad for $10. The cost is $11 at dinnertime. The sandwich is sold on El Meson's food truck with rice and beans or fries for $8.

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CHARLIE’S DELI

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Address: 429 Troy St., Dayton

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Connect to the sandwich: 937-224-3767 | WebsiteFacebook

What is it like? Inspired by sandwiches he's tried in Florida, Charlie's owner Rodney Vangas puts his own spin on the classic sandwich with delicious results. Citrus marinated pulled pork, sweet cured ham, baby Swiss cheese and pickle stacks between unpressed Cuban bread with mayo, hot sauce and/or brown mustard. Rodney recommends all three and so do we.

Price: $7.25

CANAL STREET ARCADE AND DELI 

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Address: 308 E. First St.,

Hours: The deli portion of the business is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday  to Thursday and  11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Connect to the sandwich: 937-220-9333 | WebsiteFacebookInstagram

What is it like? Canal Street's Cuban is a "secret" off-the-menu item. The sandwich has all the ingredients on the restaurant's pastrami sandwich except the pastrami. That's prosciutto, salami, banana peppers, provolone cheese, mayonnaise and mustard on toasted white bread. It comes with a pickle spear. It is not a traditional Cuban sandwich, but boy is it good, good stuff.

Price: half a sandwich $6.25 | full sandwich $8.25 | full sandwich with extra meat  $9.25

>> RELATED: Five Canal Street  sandwiches we love

SOUTH PARK TAVERN 

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Credit: Photo: Amelia Robinson

Address: 1301 Wayne Ave., Dayton

Hours: 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 12 p.m. to  1 a.m. Sunday

Connect to the sandwich:  937-586-9526| WebsiteFacebookTwitter

What is it like? South Park Tavern's Cuban is not for the light eater. The restaurant's take on the sandwich is a big ole tasty sub stuffed with cuts of pork tenderloin, ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickle slices, romaine lettuce and the restaurant's sweet house blend dusseldorf mustard and mojo sauce with Cuban spices.

Price: $7.99 with potato chips

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