- Attraction: Aroma Cafe Cuban Food and Sandwiches
- Location: 2570 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: Facebook Page
Caribbean sunshine meets East Tennessee charm at a family-owned cafe where island spices and generous portions have transformed a modest building into a culinary destination.
Since opening its doors, Aroma Cafe has been crafting homemade Cuban specialties using traditional recipes that bring Havana’s flavors to Broadway Avenue. The kitchen prepares everything fresh daily, from towering pressed sandwiches to golden plantains that arrive hot and crispy.
This spot ranks consistently among Maryville’s top dining destinations for good reason. Colorful tropical decor sets an upbeat tone while Cuban music plays overhead, creating an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the Smoky Mountains.
Whether you’re already a fan of Cuban food or trying it for the first time, you’ll understand why locals and travelers alike make this cafe a regular stop.
Signature Sandwiches Worth The Drive
The Traditional Cuban: Ham, slow-roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard get pressed between bread that emerges from the grill with a perfectly crispy exterior and warm, melted interior.
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Keep Exploring →The sandwich arrives cut lengthwise, making it easier to manage and ideal for dipping into the tangy vinegar-based mojo sauce that accompanies it.
Each bite delivers that signature combination of savory meats, sharp pickles, and melted cheese that defines authentic Cuban sandwiches.
The Picadillo Sandwich: Seasoned ground beef mingles with melted cheese, crunchy potato sticks, mayo, mustard, and pickles in this hearty option. The potato sticks add an unexpected textural element that elevates the whole experience beyond a standard ground beef sandwich.
Aroma’s Philly Cheese: Tender steak gets loaded with sautéed onions, green peppers, and plenty of melted cheese. While not traditionally Cuban, this sandwich has earned its place on the menu with bold flavors and satisfying richness.
Pulled Pork: Succulent pork shoulder, cooked until it falls apart, gets piled high with sautéed onions and mayo. The accompanying vinegar sauce provides a bright, acidic contrast that cuts through the rich meat beautifully.
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Discover MoreSize Matters: Sandwiches come in both small and large formats. The small versions are genuinely filling for most appetites, while the large options are enormous—often enough for two meals or perfect for sharing. Don’t underestimate these portions.
Essential Sides And Specialties
Papa Rellena: These fried potato balls represent Cuban comfort food at its finest. Creamy mashed potatoes get shaped around seasoned ground beef, breaded, then deep-fried until the exterior turns golden and crispy.
Breaking through the crunchy shell reveals the soft, savory filling inside. They’re substantial enough to serve as an appetizer or alongside your main sandwich.
Sweet Plantains (Maduros): Ripe plantains transform during frying, developing caramelized edges while the interior becomes soft and custard-like. Natural sugars concentrate and intensify, creating pockets of sweetness that provide an excellent counterpoint to savory dishes.
Tostones: These twice-fried green plantains deliver satisfying crunch with a mild, starchy flavor. They’re less sweet than maduros and work wonderfully as a vehicle for dipping into that irresistible mojo sauce.
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Keep Exploring →Rice and Beans: This classic Cuban combination shows how proper seasoning elevates simple ingredients. Tender beans arrive well-spiced and flavorful, mixing seamlessly with fluffy white rice. You can choose between black beans or red beans based on your preference.
Empanadas: Golden, flaky pastry encases your choice of beef, chicken, or guava with cream cheese. The savory options feature well-seasoned fillings, while the sweet guava and cream cheese version offers an interesting twist if you want something different from traditional flavors.
Ham Croquettes: Crispy exteriors give way to creamy, ham-filled centers in these golden-fried cylinders. They work great as a snack, appetizer, or added to your main meal for extra indulgence.
Sample Platter: Can’t decide? This combination includes papa rellenas, croquettes, empanadas, tostones, and maduros, letting you experience multiple Cuban specialties in one order.
Sweet Finales
Tres Leches Cake: Sponge cake gets thoroughly soaked in three types of milk, creating an impossibly moist texture that practically melts on your tongue.
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Discover MoreTopped with whipped cream, it manages to be decadent without feeling heavy. This dessert has become something of a signature item that you shouldn’t skip.
Flan: Silky-smooth caramel custard arrives with a layer of caramel sauce providing just enough sweetness to balance the creamy richness below. The texture is perfectly set—firm enough to hold its shape but still luxuriously soft.
Cuban Coffee: Strong, sweet espresso-style coffee comes in small cups but packs serious caffeine power. This isn’t your standard American coffee—expect bold, concentrated flavor and enough energy to fuel your afternoon adventures.
Atmosphere And Layout
Ordering Process: You’ll place your order at the counter on the right side as you enter, then settle at your table while your food gets prepared. Once ready, your meal arrives at your table. This counter-service setup allows you to dine at your own pace without constant check-ins.
Dining Space: The restaurant extends further than the exterior suggests. After ordering, the main seating area spreads to the left with plenty of tables for groups and individuals. Outdoor seating is also available when weather permits, and these tables welcome dogs.
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Keep Exploring →Visual Style: Bright colors, tropical accents, and Cuban music create an environment that evokes South Florida or Caribbean islands.
Recent updates have added a beachy aesthetic with refreshed furnishings while maintaining authentic Cuban character. The vibrant atmosphere transports you far from typical Tennessee dining.
First Impressions: The building’s exterior looks unassuming and somewhat dated. This works in your favor—it keeps the place from getting overrun while the food inside exceeds all expectations. Classic hidden gem territory.
Planning Your Visit
Value Proposition: Prices are exceptionally reasonable given the portion sizes. A large sandwich combo with side and drink typically costs under $15, with small combos around $10-12.
You’re getting substantial quantity and quality for your money—considerably better value than you’d find at many chain restaurants or similar Cuban spots in other regions.
Timing Expectations: Everything gets made fresh to order, which means you’ll wait approximately 15-20 minutes after placing your order. During busy periods, this can stretch longer. The packed parking lot during peak hours tells you the wait is worthwhile, but definitely factor this into your schedule.
Parking Notes: The lot is small and fills quickly during lunch and dinner rushes. If you arrive to find it full, check the store across the street or the adjacent business for overflow options. Coming slightly before or after traditional meal times can help you snag a spot more easily.
Operating Hours: The cafe opens Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8:30 PM. They’re closed on Sundays, so plan your Cuban food cravings accordingly.
Accessibility Features: You’ll find wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and seating throughout the restaurant. The outdoor tables welcome canine companions if you’re dining with your dog.
Service Options: Beyond traditional dine-in, the cafe offers takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. Credit cards and debit cards are accepted for payment.
Best Strategy: Weekday lunches draw steady crowds from local workers. Weekends can get particularly busy. If you’re time-pressed, consider calling ahead for takeout. If you have the flexibility to sit and savor, dining in lets you fully appreciate the atmosphere alongside the food.
Family Friendly: The casual environment and diverse menu make this spot work well for families, couples, solo diners, and groups alike. The counter-service model means kids can move around a bit without disrupting table service.
Aroma Cafe Cuban Food and Sandwiches
📍 2570 E Broadway Ave, Maryville, TN 37804
