Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: Jason Braverman. The cafe serves its Cuban sandwich with plantain chips, front left, lechon asado (marinated port leg served with mojo sauce, black beans and rice), back left, and an appetizer sampler (empanada de carne, papa rellena and croquetas).

Rey's Cuban Cafe

2950 Rosebud Road, Loganville

770-972-1020

• Open since: March 21

• Location: Near the intersection of Rosebud Road and U.S. Highway 78 next to the BP station

• Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays

• Owner: Rey Martinez

Manager: Jim Tomol

• Atmosphere: If you're in the mood for genuine Cuban food and not concerned with plush surroundings, check out Rey's Cuban Cafe in Loganville.

This is a cozy place. No frills, very casual with a small dining room and small patio area in front. Owner Rey Martinez plans to add a few picnic tables in the shade soon.

Martinez is no stranger to owning and operating a successful Cuban restaurant in Loganville. He owned Rey's Cuban Grill for about three years before being called to active duty for a year. His know-how and recipes are paying off, with locals already discovering his new place.

• Menu: The varied menu features reasonably-priced Cuban sandwiches and platters, with the most expensive item on the menu costing $9.99. Daily specials are offered to patrons, but according to Tomol, if there's something you want that isn't offered on a certain day, just ask. If the ingredients are on hand, you just might be in luck. Sandwiches and combos are offered every day.

All sandwich combos are served with white rice, black beans, mojo sauce (a Cuban specialty) and a drink. Combos are priced at $5.99; sandwiches only $4.79.

Appetizers include Cuban favorites such as papa rellena (fried beef stuffed potato) and mariquitas (fried plantain chips). All appetizers are $2.75.

Desserts include flan ($2.75) and pastelito (guava and cheese turnovers -- a Cuban favorite) $1.75.

No alcohol is served, but Cuban coffee ($1.50) and cafe con leche ($1.75) are available, as well as other authentic Cuban drinks like pineapple soda and Iron Beer (a very sweet root beer-like drink).

• Things you might not know: Martinez is one of Loganville's newest city councilmen. He is still active in the Naval reserve and recently returned home from three weeks of duty.