The 7 Must-Try Cuban Delights At La Rubia Cuban Bakery: A Taste Of Havana In Port St. Lucie
La Rubia Cuban Bakery has quickly established itself as a vibrant culinary anchor in Port St. Lucie, Florida, offering an authentic taste of Havana that resonates with both local Cuban-American families and curious foodies. As of December 2025, this beloved spot continues to draw crowds seeking everything from a powerful morning shot of Cuban coffee to a hearty, pressed sandwich.
The bakery’s success lies in its commitment to traditional recipes, serving up a slice of Cuban heritage with every freshly baked pastelito de guayaba y queso and perfectly layered Cuban sandwich. It’s more than just a bakery; it is a cultural hub where the aroma of buttery bread and potent espresso fills the air, making it a must-visit destination on the Treasure Coast.
The Heart of Havana: Location, Owners, and The La Rubia Story
The name "La Rubia," which translates to "The Blonde," evokes a sense of charm and memorable character, a fitting title for a bakery that has become a local favorite. The establishment is a true family-led venture, owned and operated by the dedicated duo, Juan Marrero and William Kicklighter. Their vision was to bring the authentic, uncompromised flavors of Cuban cuisine and baking to a community hungry for quality and tradition.
The bakery's commitment to freshness is evident in its daily-made Cuban bread, a staple that forms the foundation of their famous sandwiches and is a key component of Cuban breakfast culture. Their dedication to creating a welcoming, fast, and fresh experience has solidified their reputation in the St. Lucie County food scene.
La Rubia Cuban Bakery Essential Profile
- Owners: Juan Marrero and William Kicklighter
- Location (Physical Address): 267 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34984
- Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00 AM – 6:30 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
- Cuisine Focus: Authentic Cuban Bakery and Deli (Pastries, Sandwiches, Coffee, Catering)
- Signature Flavor: Sabor (Flavor), emphasizing fresh, high-quality, traditional ingredients.
The 7 Essential Items You Must Order at La Rubia
While the entire menu is a celebration of Cuban gastronomy, certain items have achieved legendary status among regulars. These seven dishes and drinks represent the pinnacle of what La Rubia Cuban Bakery has to offer, combining classic techniques with premium ingredients.
1. The Iconic Cuban Sandwich (El Cubano)
No trip to a Cuban bakery is complete without the Cubano. La Rubia’s version is a masterpiece of layering and pressing. It features slow-roasted pork (often marinated in a traditional mojo sauce), sweet ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a smear of mustard, all pressed between two slices of their signature buttery, freshly-baked Cuban bread. The result is a perfect balance of salty, sour, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch. This sandwich is an icon of the cuisine.
2. Pastelito de Guayaba y Queso (Guava and Cheese Pastry)
The Guava Pastelito is arguably the most popular Cuban pastry, and La Rubia excels at it. These flaky, puff-pastry squares are filled with a sweet, thick guava paste and cream cheese. The combination of the tart guava, the creamy cheese, and the delicate, crisp pastry makes for an irresistible treat. It is the classic that never fails.
3. The Potent Cuban Coffee (Cafecito)
A small cup with a giant flavor—the Cuban Coffee, or Cafecito, is the lifeblood of the bakery. This is a sweetened espresso shot, often made with a frothy layer of sugar foam called espumita. It is a powerful, dark roast that delivers an intense jolt of energy and is best enjoyed standing at the counter in true Cuban fashion. Other coffee essentials include the Cortadito (espresso cut with a splash of steamed milk) and the Café con Leche (a large cup of coffee with milk).
4. Medianoche Sandwich
The Medianoche, or "Midnight" sandwich, is the Cuban sandwich's slightly sweeter cousin. The filling is similar—roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles—but it is served on a soft, sweet egg dough bread instead of the traditional Cuban bread. This bread is slightly yellow and softer, offering a delightful textural contrast to the Cuban sandwich.
5. Lechon Asado (Slow-Roasted Pork)
For a true taste of a Cuban holiday or family celebration, the Lechon Asado (Cuban Pork Shoulder) is a must-try. La Rubia prepares this slow-marinated, oven-roasted pork with authentic Cuban flavor, often offering it as a special or for catering. It is frequently served with a side of Congri (rice and black beans cooked together) or separate white rice and black beans. This dish is a testament to the bakery's savory capabilities.
6. Croquetas (Croquettes)
These small, fried, cylindrical delights are a Cuban snack staple. La Rubia offers various types of croquetas, most commonly filled with creamy, seasoned ground ham or chicken. They are crispy on the outside and velvety smooth on the inside, making them the perfect savory bite alongside a strong coffee or as a mid-day snack.
7. Pan con Mantequilla (Buttered Cuban Bread)
Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. The foundation of the bakery's reputation is its Cuban bread, which is a light, white bread with a signature "palito" (a strip of palm leaf) indentation down the middle. Ordering Pan con Mantequilla means getting a large slice of this bread, split, buttered generously, and pressed until golden brown and crispy. It is the quintessential Cuban breakfast, often dipped into a Café con Leche.
Beyond the Pastries: Catering and The Port St. Lucie Community
La Rubia Cuban Bakery has become more than a local eatery; it’s a full-service culinary resource for the Port St. Lucie area. Recognizing the demand for authentic Cuban flavors at events, the bakery offers extensive catering services.
Their catering menu often highlights large-format dishes like the aforementioned Lechon Asado, which requires day notice and a deposit, confirming its status as a premium, slow-cooked offering. This focus on traditional, large-scale Cuban meals allows the community to bring the rich, festive atmosphere of a Cuban celebration to their own homes and events.
As Port St. Lucie continues its rapid growth, the addition of businesses like La Rubia Cuban Bakery adds a crucial layer of cultural richness and authentic flavor. The bakery’s success is a clear indicator that the demand for high-quality, traditional Cuban food—from the flaky quesito to the savory Bistec Empanizado—is stronger than ever, cementing its place as a local favorite for years to come. The owners, Juan Marrero and William Kicklighter, have truly brought a taste of Havana to the Treasure Coast.
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