Lunch Review: Hugo's Spanish Restaurant

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Hugo's Spanish Restaurant

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Inside: Hugo's Spanish Restaurant

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Hugo's Spanish Restaurant has been open in Tampa for 35 years.  It has stood up to the test of time in an area where restaurants, shops and bars have all come and gone over the decades. But Hugo's still stands with the same aura as it did when it was first opened in 1975. Compared to its neighboring establishments, Hugo's is a relaxed, low-profile eatery with little on the walls to distract from the delicious specialties that they serve which include Black Beans and Rice, Arroz con Pollo, and the reason I went there, the Cuban.

The Food:  Everything about the cuisine at Hugo's Spanish Restaurant is fresh (the main reason why the restaurant has successfully operated in the area for so many years).  Take, for example, the Cuban, which was recently on Playboy's list of "Best Sandwiches in America".  The Cuban is made on fresh bread brought in daily from a local baker in Ybor and the meats and cheeses are all high-quality and hand-sliced.  You won't find any cubed or boiled ham here!  I got my Cuban "fully dressed" with lettuce and tomato, and I couldn't wait to chomp into the monstrously big sandwich (two people can easily share and be full). 

Once I bit into my 'wich, my tastebuds were instantly bombarded by delicious flavors that melded to make the best Cuban I have ever tasted.  Playboy wasn't lying when they put this eatery's trademark on the list of "Best Sandwiches in America."  The bread was cripy/crusty on the outside and warm and soft on the inside.  The meat was tender to the chew.  Hugo's Spanish Restaurant brought a harmony of flavors that could each be distinguished, unlike those Cubans that are drenched in condiments.

The Ambiance: Like I said before, Hugo's does not boast big-screen tvs and other frills, its focus is soley on the food.  The restuarant is clean, and comfortable making it a relaxing stop for families, patrons from neighboring bars, business men and women on their breaks, etc.

The Service: This is a family owned and operated establishment.  The servers and chefs interact like a big family, and this attitude spills over to their customer service.  Everyone I saw was polite and smiling, making for a very pleasant atmosphere.

The Prices: Hugo's Spanish Restaurant uses top-quality ingredients, and because of this, I expected "top-quality prices."  This however is not the case. The Cuban goes for $5.50, which is easily a meal for two, and most other sandwiches are around that price range.  You can get an entree for anywhere between $7.95 and $13.95.