Bringing the vibrant flavors of Key West to Knoxville, Manolo's Cuban Café offers authentic Cuban coffee and sandwiches crafted with love and tradition. Inspired by our Cuban grandfather, "Manolo," and our roots in South Florida, we’re here to serve you a taste of the Conch Republic. Our mission is simple: to deliver the bold, rich flavors of Cuban and Caribbean cuisine right to your neighborhood, the way it’s meant to be—full of heart, heritage, and soul. From our traditional Cuban coffee brewed the old-fashioned way to our signature sandwiches, every bite tells a story of family, tradition, and passion.

We grew up in Key West, Florida, home of the Conchs and the Bubbas. The "Conch Republic," where tradition is strong and so is the coffee. As a seaport town, Key West is a melting pot of proud heritages, notably Cuban and Bahamian, which have deeply influenced our cuisine. The island’s vibrant street corner coffee shops and flavorful local staples shaped our love for food and community, and now we’re bringing those same tastes and traditions to Knoxville.

Our grandfather, Manolo, was originally from Cuba and made Cuban coffee the old-fashioned way—using boiling water and a cloth strainer, a tradition we continue today. He was known throughout Key West for his deliveries of Cuban bread and ice to families during the horse-and-buggy days, earning him the nickname "Sweetwater." His legacy even found its way into literature, as Ernest Hemingway mentioned him in his 1937 novel, To Have and Have Not, referring to him as "Cuban Sweetwater," a beloved character acquaintance of "Hay Zooz."

Our family’s love for cooking didn’t stop with Manolo. Our grandmother, Isabelle, and other family members contributed their own special touches to the recipes we use today, each one a tribute to the meals we shared growing up. Their influence continues to guide us in every sandwich, every cup of coffee, and every connection we make with our customers.

At Manolo’s Cuban Café, we’re not just sharing food—we’re sharing our family's spirit and Key West's warmth with every meal. We hope that in every encounter, you experience our passion for what we do and that it brings you the same joy it has brought our family for generations. Welcome to our table, and enjoy a taste of Key West! ¡Buen provecho! (enjoy your meal!)