Every Friday through the end of 2018, the Rant will feature a dish that stands out among Lee County’s restaurant scene. We’ll usually focus on lunch, but there aren’t any rules – we just want to let you know (if you don’t already) about the many dining options we have that are owned and operated by people right here in Lee County. Quick Bites has a monster of a Cuban sandwich that you’ll want to try right away.
“Quick Bites” sounds like a fast food restaurant, and while the atmosphere is casual and the pace is as advertised, the food itself comes in at a pretty high level of quality. Soups, sandwiches, and salads – and plenty of each – make up a deceptively diverse menu which includes fare for meat lovers and vegetarians alike. Nothing on the menu is gonna run you more than $8, and you get a hefty meal in a short amount of time.
THE DISH: The Cuban sandwich at Quick Bites ($7.99) might not be the one you’d find in Miami, but it’s not trying to be, and that’s fine. You’re probably not gonna find Cuban bread in Sanford, and so instead you get your variety of meats and cheese between two crunchy pieces of panini bread. The real kicker – what makes this one feel unique – is that instead of a slice of roasted pork, the Cuban at Quick Bites comes with a heap of the chopped pork BBQ that they offer elsewhere. Combined with the traditional slice of ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard, it makes for a unique take on a familiar classic. You get a pickle spear, which absolutely complements the sandwich, and a side of crispy, house-made potato chips, which you can upgrade to french fries for $1.19 or to sweet potato fries for $1.39. All are good; the latter are particularly worth your time.
WHAT ELSE TO TRY: The Buffalo Chicken wrap ($6.99) jumps off the menu with its mix of heat and creaminess, and the BLT croissant ($6.99) is another twist on tradition that you’re not going to complain about. The mozzarella and tomatoes panini ($7.29) is like a caprese salad between two pieces of bread, and the salads themselves – the Mediterranean runs $6.25 and the Asian $6.49 – are plenty good, and nutritious to boot. If you’re feeling dessert, get two Nutella crepes for $1.99. Get those Nutella crepes.
Quick Bites is located at 1907 Bragg St. and can be reached at (919) 292-1690. They are open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday through Saturday. View their full menu here.
