The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina
Experience authentic Cuban cuisine, from legendary sandwiches to delicious yucca fries, in a vibrant, welcoming cafe with a charming patio.
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The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience authentic Cuban cuisine, from legendary sandwiches to delicious yucca fries, in a vibrant, welcoming cafe with a charming patio.
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the garlic chicken or Cubano sandwich for an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine.
Specialty Drinks
Savor unique offerings like frozen mojitos with guava or their special cafecito coffee.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cuban
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Cuban Sandwiches
Savor perfectly crafted Cuban sandwiches, praised as the best in North Texas, made with real Cuban bread and flavorful fillings.
Vibrant Atmosphere & Patio
Enjoy a colorful, welcoming vibe with friendly staff and a charming outdoor patio, perfect for al fresco dining.
Loaded Yucca Fries
Don't miss the uniquely delicious loaded yucca fries, a popular and flavorful appetizer that perfectly complements Cuban classics.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the garlic chicken or Cubano sandwich for an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine.
Specialty Drinks
Savor unique offerings like frozen mojitos with guava or their special cafecito coffee.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds, as the restaurant can get busy.
Outdoor Seating
Enjoy meals al fresco on the patio, perfect for warm weather dining.
Tips
from all over the internet
Try Signature Dishes
Don't miss the garlic chicken or Cubano sandwich for an authentic taste of Cuban cuisine.
Specialty Drinks
Savor unique offerings like frozen mojitos with guava or their special cafecito coffee.
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds, as the restaurant can get busy.
Outdoor Seating
Enjoy meals al fresco on the patio, perfect for warm weather dining.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about the authentic Cuban cuisine, particularly the exceptional Cuban sandwiches and flavorful loaded yucca fries. The friendly service and vibrant atmosphere, especially the outdoor seating, are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention that it can be a bit pricey for the portion size, and one reviewer experienced significant difficulty placing a phone order.
"Hidden off the main square this place is a gem. The El Cuban was amazing, fresh, flavorful, and just the right size. Served with perfectly crunchy plantains. Ropa Vieja was also fresh and delicious. Get the large mojito on the rocks, $11 for small and $16 for large! Service was great, very friendly, and the patio is perfect! We will be back for sure!!!"
Melanie Dielmann
"The Cuban sandwich with plantain chips was very good. I was particularly impressed with the plantain chips because normally I don't like them but they were crispy and deliciously seasoned. They seem to have a pretty good selection of beers and cocktails, as well as outdoor and indoor seating. I enjoyed it and would definitely go again."
Murph
"This place is stellar. Their cuban sandwich rivals anything I've had in Miami. The Ropa Vieja is my personal fav and the maduros are semi-sweet with a little bit of a crispy edge. If there isn't a festival in downtown and it's an easy going affair."
Anthony Schenk
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cuban sandwich is highly recommended, often called the best in North Texas. Loaded yucca fries and garlic chicken are also popular choices.
Yes, the restaurant features a charming outdoor patio with picnic tables, perfect for enjoying your meal al fresco.
Yes, it's a great spot for families, offering authentic Cuban food in a casual and friendly environment.
Given the intimate size, it's advisable to visit during off-peak hours to ensure a table, especially for lunch.
Absolutely! They are known for their specialty drinks like frozen mojitos, especially with guava flavoring, and cafecito coffee.
The restaurant prides itself on serving authentic Cuban cuisine, using traditional family recipes.
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Beat the heat while you eat: 5 patios in McKinney to try this summer
At Guava Tree, a fan cools down the modest patio, however most customers choose to dine on the picnic tables covered by umbrellas in the parking lot area that has been converted to provide more dining space, said Onel Perez, owner of The Guava Tree. Perez said he plans to install an awning to cover the patio area in the coming weeks. At the cantina that’s serving up traditional Cuban family recipes for slow-roasted pork and Cuban sandwiches, the frozen mojito — made with freshly squeezed lime juice and a house mint simple syrup — is a bestseller, especially when it’s hot outside, Perez said.
Essential Restaurants In Downtown McKinney
Not only do they have a cute space off the city square, but their iconic pink food truck is also a must at your next wedding, family reunion or work lunch. You may recognize them from the 2016 season of the Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network, which helped them open their brick-and-mortar location off of Chestnut Street. Get their signature Cubano sandwich and wash it down with one of their cocktails, such as the viva McKinney.
Patio Dining in McKinney
The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe & Cantina - Having operated for years as a very popular food truck, The Guava Tree opened an accompanying brick-and-mortar eatery with an intimate-sized patio located on the south side of downtown McKinney at Chestnut and Louisiana. Look for the hot pink truck and the awesome mural that captures the spirit of the Cuban heritage of the owner's family (shown).
The Most Mouthwatering Places to Eat in Downtown McKinney, TX
The Guava Tree Cuban Cafe and Cantina started as a food truck, but is now a brick-and-mortar mainstay in downtown McKinney. There are a variety of Cuban dishes to choose from, but you can’t go wrong ordering the classic Cuban sandwich. The pork lechon on the sandwich (which you can also get in a bowl) is incredibly tender and flavorful.
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