Pipos Original Cuban Cafe' in Bay Pines

After a crazy busy morning and missing lunch, I was driving down Tyrone Boulevard trying to figure out where I could eat that wasn't fast food or something that would take a long time to order and dine.  I remembered that Pipo's Cafe' was just ahead!

 

Pipo's has been in the Tampa Bay area since 1979, but this location in Bay Pines is the ONLY one that is still owned by the original family.  Pipo's was the original innovator of fast casual food! Fresh, homemade food served quickly.

When I walked in the door, I was immediately greeted and welcomed.  You can either order one of the food items that is prepared, or order sandwiches, salads or other entrees.

Pipo's is known for their roasted pork.  I was having a hard time deciding on that or the sirloin tips which were a special for the day.  The server explained that the pork is there every day and that I should have one of the specials, which was mojo chicken or the sirloin tips.

I decided to get the sirloin tips, which is served with two sides ($11.95).

 I chose yellow rice and plantains.

Now to decide whether to 

eat outside or inside!

I sat down and was almost immediately served my food. Wow, that is a lot of food! Looks like I have dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow!

Pipo's also bottles their own hot sauce and chimichurri.  It is not on the table, so make sure that you either ask for it or go over and put some in a cup - as you definitely want to try it!

As I was eating my late lunch/early dinner, 4 people came in and sat at the booth next to me.  I heard the woman order a taco salad and I wanted to see what it looked like.  When the food was delivered to the table, that taco salad looked amazing!!  I had to go over to the table and ask her if it was as good as it looked! She said that it was delicious and she always gets it when they go to there.  I am getting it next time, too!  The other members in the party had a Cuban wrap ($7.95), the "original 1979 salad" ($8.95) and the roast pork entree ($10.95).  I wanted to take a picture, but I didn't want to interrupt their dinner party!

When the server came back over, I said that even though I was stuffed and needed a box, I had to try the flan. (is it flan that rhymes with pan or flan that rhymes with dawn?)  Either way, here is my bowl of deliciousness!

Pipos is open Monday through Thursday from 9am-9pm; Friday and Saturday from 9am-10pm; and on Sunday from 9am-4:30pm. For breakfast, Pipo's offers breakfast sandwiches as well as Cuban toast and guava pastries. I overheard a woman as I was leaving saying how good the Cuban espresso is. Another thing to try on the next visit!

 Orders can be called in ahead and picked up. You can find Pipo's Cafe' on Facebook or follow on Twitter.

Pipos Original Cuban Cafe' is located at 9531 Bay Pines Blvd.  They offer a 10% discount to Localshops1 cardholders.  Pipo's Cafe' has seating for small, intimate dinners, up to large areas for parties.  The entire outside deck can be booked for a private party.  Pipo's is also available for catering.

Pipo's Original Cuban Cafe can be reached for further questions at 727-394-7476.