Cuban café opens at American Dream

A fast-casual coffee shop and eatery is bringing Cuban food to the New Jersey Meadowlands.

Cortaditos celebrated its second location’s grand opening at the Food Hall at Triple Five's American Dream on Dec. 17 with a lot of Havana flair, which included live performances, music and of course food.

The colorful mural of the "Queen of Salsa," Cuban-American singer, Celia Cruz, seemed to be smiling approvingly in the backdrop of the restaurant.

Founded by Cuban entrepreneurs Andres Carrillo and Adam San Miguel in Union City, N.J., in 2021, the restaurant offers a menu filled with authentic Cuban dishes such as Cafecito (a strong, dark roast espresso sweetened with thick sugar foam), café con leche (coffee with milk), empanadas, pastelitos (pastries), and sandwiches such as the popular Cubano (built with pork, melted swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard).

Cortaditos is expanding in New Jersey in 2023 with locations opening soon in North Bergen and Belleville.

“When looking to expand our footprint, we knew there was no better location than The Food Hall at American Dream,” said Adam San Miguel. “American Dream’s world-class attractions, shops and eateries attract locals and tourists alike, and I can’t wait for them to experience Cortaditos.”

The Food Hall at American Dream has collected a variety of dining establishments since it opened its doors in the summer of 2022 including Vinoteca – a first-of-its-kind wine tasting experience--and the first New Jersey locations of Vanessa’s Dumpling House, Lady M, Best Pizza, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

“The Food Hall brings together local and global food and drink, and Cortaditos is both --a beloved local establishment serving international cuisine, said Bryan Gaus, senior VP, GM of American Dream.

American Dream is continuing to introduce new concepts to The Food Hall in the coming months, including Dream Bar – an intriguing cocktail bar, and Bang Cookies – a luxe, all-natural, organic cookie company.