Ybor City Food Tour: Cuban Sandwiches, Cigars & a Greek Feast

Founded in 1886, Ybor City is Tampa's historic gem — and this episode treats it right. Brian splits the day between the neighborhood's two personalities: old-world cigar culture and a food scene that refuses to be quiet about it.

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Where the episode goes

First stop: King Corona for the ultimate Cuban sandwich — warm, buttery Cuban bread loaded with Italian meats, Swiss cheese, pickles, and plantain chips on the side — paired with premium cigars like Padron and Fuente Opus X. The episode digs into the cigar culture behind the counter: how selections are made, what pairs with which bourbon, and the local factories like J.C. Newman, rolling in Ybor since 1895.

Then the night goes Greek at Acropolis Greek Taverna: flaming saganaki cheese, fresh Greek salads with house-made dressing, succulent lamb chops, panko-crusted fish, mussels, and red sangria strong enough to earn a warning. It ends the only way it can — napkin throws, plate smashing, belly dancing, and a room full of strangers yelling "opa!" together.

Episode moments

• The King Corona Cuban sandwich, up close
• Cigar pairing talk: Padron, Fuente Opus X, and bourbon matches
• The J.C. Newman story — rolling cigars in Ybor since 1895
• Flaming saganaki at Acropolis Greek Taverna
• Plate smashing, napkin throws, and belly dancing

Episode FAQ

What is Ybor City known for?

Founded in 1886, Ybor City was once the cigar capital of the world. The neighborhood still carries that history through factories like J.C. Newman — operating since 1895 — alongside a lively Latin and Mediterranean food scene.

Where does the episode eat in Ybor City?

Two anchors: King Corona for a classic Cuban sandwich and cigar pairings, and Acropolis Greek Taverna for saganaki, lamb chops, sangria, and the full plate-smashing Greek dinner experience.

Is this episode good for planning a Tampa trip?

Yes — it plays like a one-day Ybor City itinerary: where to get the Cuban sandwich, how to approach the cigar shops, and where to book a big group dinner with entertainment.