Cafecito, The Little Cuban Café, opening on King Street

Family-owned Eatery features iconic Cuban coffees, pastries and sandwiches

Downtown Charleston is about to gain a taste of Cuban culture with the arrival of Cafecito, The Little Cuban Café, a locally-owned eatery that will feature the flavors of the Caribbean nation.

Opening officially on Wednesday, September 7, the café at 471 King Street will specialize in the iconic Cafecito (espresso brewed with whipped sugar), and pressed Cuban sandwiches. Grab-and-go, or sit and stay. The menu will feature a variety of authentic Cuban coffee classics like coladas and café con leche, iced or hot, as well as beer, wine and an assortment of island-inspired sweets and pastries.

Co-owner Kathy Atkins’ family heritage inspired the café’s menu development. Her grandparents are native Cuban Conchs from Key West, the first destination for Cuban immigrants in the late 1800s. Kathy’s grandfather had her whipping up cafecitos at a very young age.

Cafecito’s “Cubano” sandwiches will be made on authentic Cuban bread and loaded with Mojo pork, Bolo ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Additional featured classics will include the Media Noche (a Cubano pressed on a sweet roll), the Elena Ruz, (a pressed turkey/guava/cream cheese on a sweet roll), as well as two vegetarian sandwiches: Grandpa Arsenio’s Avocado and the Caprese Cubano. Authentic homemade Key lime pie and Grandma Celia’s creamy Cuban flan will finish the menu.

Atkins and husband Lane moved to Charleston from Miami in 2018. “The one thing we’ve missed most from South Florida is the ability to get delicious Cuban coffee and sandwiches at any time, and almost anywhere,” said Lane.

Cafecito will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (closed Tuesdays). Friday and Saturday evening hours will be 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.