A friend recommended CAO to us. It is inside a gas station but everything is very clean and organized. They have a large selection of pastries and cakes. We tried a few and all were fresh and tasty. We tried the churassco and the meat was tender and the chimichuri sauce was great. The Cuban sandwich was good also. Prices are reasonable. Try them out when you can. The service was friendly and helpful.
May 25 · Jason HicksBAKERY PROFILE
CAO Bakery & Cafe
★ 4.031 recorded reviews$10–20
17519 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 17519 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
- Phone
- (813) 280-9640
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 31 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
About and visit notes
Welcome to CAO Bakery & Cafe, a true taste of Cuban-American heritage right here in Tampa, Florida. The name CAO, which proudly stands for 'Cuban American Original,' perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this delightful local business. As a fast-casual Cuban bakery and cafe, CAO has quickly become a beloved spot for locals seeking authentic flavors, fresh baked goods, and hearty meals that reflect recipes passed down through generations.
From the moment you step up to the counter, the aroma of rich espresso, warm, flaky pastries, and savory meats invites you to explore a menu that honors classic Cuban cuisine while offering a modern, friendly experience. Whether you're craving a quick, authentic breakfast to start your day or a substantial Cuban plate for lunch, CAO Bakery & Cafe delivers quality, flavor, and great value that keeps the Florida community coming back for more. This Latino-owned establishment is dedicated to providing a welcoming atmosphere and delicious food, making it a must-visit destination in the Tampa Bay area.
The popularity of CAO Bakery & Cafe stems from its commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional techniques, particularly noted for its famous Pastelitos (traditional Cuban pastries) and robust Cafe Con Leche. It offers a fresh, vibrant take on the Cuban cafe experience, providing a vital slice of culture and flavor for local residents.
Location and Accessibility for the Tampa Local
Located conveniently at 17519 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA, CAO Bakery & Cafe is situated in a high-traffic, easily accessible area of North Tampa (sometimes referenced as the Wesley Chapel/New Tampa area). While the location is inside a gas station convenience mart, a feature often noted by satisfied customers, the business maintains a dedicated, clean, and organized space focused entirely on serving fresh food and coffee. For those driving along Bruce B Downs Boulevard, the location offers ample Wheelchair Accessible Parking, and the establishment itself features a Wheelchair Accessible Entrance, a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, and Wheelchair Accessible Seating. This commitment to accessibility ensures that everyone in the Florida community can enjoy their delicious offerings.
The convenience factor is a major draw for busy Tampa residents. CAO Bakery & Cafe offers multiple service options designed for speed and ease:
Services Offered
- Dine-in: Limited seating is available for those who wish to enjoy their meal or coffee break on-site.
- Takeout: Perfect for a quick grab-and-go meal on your route to work or a weekend outing.
- Drive-through: Offering supreme convenience for ordering coffee, breakfast, or lunch without leaving your vehicle—a highly praised feature by local commuters.
- Delivery: Partnering with local delivery services to bring the Cuban-American favorites right to your Florida home or office.
- Catering/Party Trays: Offering a wide range of trays including 25-piece and larger assortments of pastelitos (guava, cheese, beef), croquetas, bocaditos, and more for local events and gatherings.
Features and Highlights of the CAO Menu
The extensive menu at CAO Bakery & Cafe is a feast of Cuban and Latin American classics, covering everything from breakfast to full Cuban plates and an impressive selection of pastries and savory appetizers.
- Cuban Bakery Staples: Famous for their fresh-baked goods, including a variety of *Pastelitos* (Guava and Cheese, Beef, Coconut, Dulce de Leche), savory *Croquetas* (House Ham, Chicken, Bacalao), and the delicious *Pan De Bono*.
- Authentic Sandwiches: Serving up Florida staples like the classic *Cuban Sandwich* (ham, pork, Swiss cheese on Cuban bread), *Medianoche* (on sweet bread), the signature *Croqueta Preparada*, and the hearty *Pan con Bistec*. They also offer a creative Holy CAO series like the *Croqueta Club* and *La Frita CAO*.
- All-Day Breakfast: Offering options like 'The Original' (eggs, ham/bacon, french fries, Cuban toast, and cafe con leche), *Bistec a Caballo*, and the lighter *Healthy Breakfast* (egg white omelette with turkey, spinach, tomato, and onions).
- Rich Coffee Program: A true Cuban cafe experience is not complete without strong, flavorful coffee. Favorites include *Cafe Con Leche* (in various sizes, including an X Large CAO cup), *Colada*, and *Cafecito*, which are frequently highlighted by customers as the "best in Tampa."
- Cuban Plates: Hearty lunch and dinner options served with white rice, black beans, onions, and a choice of plantains or tostones, featuring proteins like *Grilled Chicken*, *Lechon* (roasted pork), *Palomilla*, *Churrasco*, and *Ropa Vieja*.
- Diverse Latin Specialties: The menu also features *Empanadas* (Baked Beef, Fried Ropa Vieja, Colombian style), *Papa Rellena*, and even *Venezolana Empanadas*, showcasing a broad appreciation for Latin American culinary diversity.
What is Worth Choosing? The CAO Experience
For Tampa residents looking for an authentic and high-quality meal, CAO Bakery & Cafe provides an unmatched combination of service, speed, and flavor. What truly sets this establishment apart is the fusion of a traditional Cuban bakery with a modern, fast-casual cafe concept, all within a convenient North Tampa location. Customers consistently praise the freshness of the baked goods, the authenticity of the Cuban sandwiches, and the tender, well-seasoned meat in their plates, such as the *churrasco*. The friendly and helpful staff contribute to a positive dining experience, ensuring your quick visit is both pleasant and satisfying. Choosing CAO means choosing a local business that provides a taste of Miami-style Cuban bakery excellence right here in the Tampa Bay area, perfect for that daily coffee ritual or a comforting, delicious meal.
Contact Information
- Address: 17519 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33647, USA
- Phone: (813) 280-9640
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
coffee 6gas station 5cuban sandwich 3drive thru 2croquettes 2breakfast sandwich 2tray 2meat 2questions 2prices 2
Stumbled upon this little no frills cafe inside Kangaroo Express gas station mart serving delicious Cuban breakfast, sandwiches, coffee & sweets. Limited seating so check them out. Friendly staff, delicious options, very good value make for an awesome dining experience 👌
Jul 6 · Teresa DoriaWe ordered 2 trays of Cuban sandwiches for my daughters birthday party. The Cubans were so good and fresh. We even got some of their pastries, and they are soooo good! They even have delicious coffee! The customer service was great. They were so friendly. We are so happy that they opened up. Definitely recommend.
Nov 29 · PCS GirlsWow the pastries were amazing, loved the guava and cheese , the coconut and the cake. So fresh, delicious and affordable. It is in a gas station but they have a separate seating area and my husband and I were blown away. We will be back and probably sooner rather than later. Oh and cafe con leches is amazing too!!
Jul 12 · Dana DaviesGreat, excellent Latin spot in new Tampa.!!! I love everything they cook in there.!!! From pastry to Cuban sandwiches and the classic cafe con leche all is delicious and fresh.!!!
Aug 28 · Oscar OliveraNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.