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A McCaysville Spot Has The Best Yuca Frites And Empanadas In The Blue Ridge Mountains

Published: August 22, 2025

  • Attraction: Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe
  • Location: 10 Blue Ridge Dr, McCaysville, GA 30555
  • Industry: Restaurant
  • Website: https://www.rumcakelady.com

Picture this: authentic Cuban comfort food served up in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, literally straddling the Georgia-Tennessee state line.

Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe brings the flavors of Camagüey, Cuba to downtown McCaysville, serving food just like mami used to make in a family-owned, fast-casual setting.

Founded in 2015 by Liz Correa, a Cuban native who moved to the area seeking a slower pace of life, this beloved cafe has become a must-visit destination for anyone craving genuine Cuban cuisine in an unexpected mountain setting.

Located by the river in McCaysville and ranked among the top restaurants in the area, this charming spot offers something truly special – the chance to experience Cuba’s rich culinary heritage while surrounded by North Georgia’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re a Cuban food enthusiast or simply curious about trying something new, you’ll discover why people often return multiple times during their stay.

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Signature Cuban Specialties

The Famous Cuban Sandwich: Made with fresh-baked bread each morning, delicate roast pork, and robust Bolo ham, perfectly balanced with tangy mustard and pickles.

This isn’t just any pressed sandwich – it’s the real deal that transports you straight to authentic Cuban flavors. You’ll also find variations including the Tampa Cubano with salami and the Midnight Sandwich on sweet Media Noche bread.

Empanadas That Shine: These golden, flaky pastries come stuffed with spicy beef, chicken, or cheese. Pair them with the house-made Green Sauce – a garlic and cilantro chimichurri that elevates every bite. The beef empanadas are particularly satisfying, with their well-seasoned filling creating the perfect handheld meal.

Yuca Frites Worth Traveling For: You’ll discover why these crispy golden fries have earned such devoted fans. Perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they make an excellent alternative to regular french fries and showcase the restaurant’s commitment to authentic Cuban sides.

Cuban Food Bowls: Perfect for those wanting a hearty, bread-free meal. The Roast Pork with Mojo and Beef Picadillo options feature well-seasoned proteins atop white rice and black beans. These bowls deliver all the traditional flavors in a satisfying, complete meal format.

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Ham Croquetas: Think fried mozzarella sticks, but filled with diced ham instead. These crispy golden bites are addictive and pair beautifully with the cafe’s signature Pink Sauce made with garlic, ketchup, mayo, and hot peppers.

The Star Attraction: World-Famous Rum Cakes

Variety Beyond Belief: You’ll find rum cakes in multiple flavors and sizes, from mini bites perfect for sampling to full-sized cakes for sharing. Popular flavors include salted caramel, limoncello, and seasonal specialties like pumpkin spice. The cafe offers gluten-free options and both large and mini cake sizes.

Award-Winning Quality: These aren’t overly sweet or heavy – they’re perfectly moist with just the right amount of rum flavor that doesn’t overpower the cake itself. Each bite delivers a rich, indulgent experience that showcases why this cafe earned its name.

Perfect Take-Home Treats: Many people stock up on rum cakes before heading to their mountain cabins, making them ideal souvenirs that actually taste as good as they look.

Atmosphere & Setting

Mountain-Meets-Cuba Vibe: The McCaysville location features plenty of seating options including heated and air-conditioned indoor areas, a covered terrace, and outdoor patio with umbrellas. The covered patio includes heaters overhead, creating a cozy atmosphere even during cooler mountain weather.

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Pet-Friendly Paradise: Both indoor and outdoor seating areas welcome your four-legged companions, making it perfect for travelers exploring the area with their pets. The outdoor space has a relaxed, welcoming feel that encourages lingering over your meal.

Fast-Casual Comfort: Counter-service ordering keeps things casual and efficient, while still maintaining that warm, family-owned restaurant atmosphere. You’ll find the setting reminiscent of an authentic Cuban cafe, complete with that welcoming neighborhood feel.

Riverside Location: The scenic positioning by the river adds to the charm, especially when you’re enjoying your meal on the outdoor patio with mountain views as your backdrop.

Other Considerations

Great Value Pricing: You’ll find the prices reasonable and appropriate for the quality and portion sizes. You’re getting authentic, made-from-scratch food at fair prices that won’t break the budget during your mountain getaway.

Perfect for All Dietary Needs: Vegetarian and vegan options abound, including a highly-rated vegan Cuban sandwich with plantains and fresh spinach. Gluten-free rum cake options ensure everyone can enjoy the signature desserts.

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Smart Timing: Open Thursday through Monday from 10am-4pm (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays). The cafe stays busy, so expect to wait a few minutes during peak times – but the wait is absolutely worth it.

State Line Novelty: You can literally visit two states at once, as the cafe sits right on the Georgia-Tennessee border. This unique location makes for a fun conversation starter and photo opportunity.

Stock Up Opportunity: Perfect for grabbing supplies before heading to your mountain cabin – from fresh Cuban bread to take-home rum cakes and authentic Cuban sodas like Materva and Jupiña.


Rum Cake Lady Cuban Cafe
📍 10 Blue Ridge Dr, McCaysville, GA 30555

Writer: Tyrell Gaines
Contributor

I've lived in Georgia my whole life and love it here. Nothing beats a local peach cobbler and sweet tea or a Friday night football game. I'm blessed to be able to write about the state that I call home.