Chucherias Hondurenas is a hidden treasure. I discovered this place a couple of years ago. I often want to go there for my weekly lunch outings, but I find some of the moms (not all) I know are a bit hesitant to go when I tell them the location. Yes it is not in the best area in town but it is hardly dangerous. (suburban prejudice?) Well this past Wednesday I finally talked my dearest friend in to taking the plunge. I arrived at 12:30 and all (eight I think) tables are full. As I am waiting, I see a brisk business of take out happening. I am happy to see that while the cozy and humble building has been painted and there have been some nice touch ups here and there, it was still relatively unchanged from the last time I was here sadly over a year ago. Not only did I like the feel of the place, (think of what you would imagine a small cafe in central America would look like and you are pretty close to the mark.) I love the feeling that I have found a place that others may skip over. I did have a bit of a wait for a table, but I knew it was worth it.
As I snag a table, I see my friend walking in. I can tell she is a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. She asks me if I have ever seen them on my weekly checks of restaurant's health inspections, and I tell her never on the fail list. She relaxes a bit. I am looking at the menu, but I know what I want: the Cuban Sandwich. I have had several things here, but I don't know if it is the fact that it is in all likelyhood the best Cuban I have every had, the AMAZING chimichuri and spicy sauce they serve with it or the fact that this sandwich takes me back to my childhood in Miami, but whatever it is, it's what I HAVE to order. I have never seen chimichuri served with a Cuban Sandwich (nor the spicy sauce for that matter) but it is superb. The menu is fairly small: 2 soups,a salad, a "main dish" that you choose your meat (beef, pork chops or chicken or the vegetarian option which seems to have a salad as the "meat") and that comes with beans, rice and your choice of plantain. (I say go for the tostones!), 4 hot sandwiches (Cuban, Turkey and Ham, Chicken and Cheese and Beef) and the 3 Chucherias or finger food options. (Beans and Cheese wraped in a tortilla, a meat turnover and Pupusas, or griddled corn cakes with cheese filling. All 3 are plenty for a meal) They also have a large variety of drinks and a couple of deserts. The amazing thing, to me anyways, it that the food is wonderful, plentiful and mindblowingly affordable. The Cuban Sandwich is plenty for two yet it still costs the same $6 it cost a year ago.
So my friend opts for the Pollo y Queso hot sandwich because she won't touch pork. We both love that they use lime rather than lemon in the beverages; it is a very nice touch. The waiter then brings us a small cup of a delicious homemade soup. We didn't order it so it must come with the meals. My friend is impressed. She gobbles her soup down as I nurse mine; as good as it is, I want as much room as possible for the monster sandwich that is soon to be in front of me. The sandwiches arrive and my friend is blown away at the size of the sandwich that is set down in front of her. She thinks that she will be taking most of it home. (I'm thinking not so fast sweetie, taste it first;) After the first bite she looks at me and says "oh my God!" Really. Needless to say she ate most of it. As we left, the chef gave us each a tasty little cookie as we paid. The warmth and friendliness of the entire staff is like being in a friends house.
So what should you know before you go? Well since I believe that we are more angered by something when we find our expectations are to the contrary of reality then we would be if we didn't have those expectations, let me clue you in on what to expect. The server, who is a darling and supremely nice, is slow. As a former server, all I can think is you could have done both in the same trip. He is friendly and helpful and totally wants to make your experience great; it just won't be super speedy. Part of me likes the forced relaxation. You will find parking to be tight. If you are the type of person who values style over substance, you may be put off. However most importantly, you will like your food. Part of me yearns for a grand opening of a huge Chucherias Hondurenas near me, but I am afraid that would ruin its unique and beautiful character that makes it a local gem.
Located at 722 Mason Ave in Daytona Beach
Hours are 10:30-5:00 M-F & 10:00-5:00 on Saturday
Closed Sundays
(386) 239-0548
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