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CAO Bakery & Cafe

★ 4.0290 recorded reviews$10–20

7616 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, USA

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CAO Bakery & Cafe
PLAN THE VISIT

Essential details

Address
7616 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, USA
Phone
(813) 374-0916
Website
Visit official site
Rating signal
4.0 from 290 recorded reviews
HOURS

Listed operating hours

  • Monday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Tuesday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Wednesday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Thursday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Friday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Saturday6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Sunday6:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Open turn-by-turn directions →
About and visit notes

For residents and visitors in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, the search for authentic, high-quality Cuban baked goods and a satisfying cafe experience often leads to one place: CAO Bakery & Cafe. This beloved local establishment transcends the typical bakery experience, offering a full spectrum of savory and sweet Latin-inspired cuisine alongside expertly crafted coffee. Located conveniently in Tampa, CAO Bakery & Cafe has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination for anyone craving traditional flavors, from a hearty breakfast to a midday treat or a classic Cuban sandwich. It is more than just a place to eat; it's a taste of the rich cultural heritage that defines so much of the Florida lifestyle.

What sets CAO Bakery & Cafe apart is its remarkable versatility. It functions seamlessly as both a traditional bakery, brimming with fresh Pastelitos and Croquetas, and a full-service cafe, ready to serve robust Cuban plates and signature sandwiches. This dual identity ensures that whether you're rushing to work and need a quick Cafecito and a snack, or settling in for a leisurely Cuban Benedict breakfast, the quality remains consistently high. As a proud Latino-owned business, CAO brings a genuine touch of authenticity to every item on its extensive menu, creating a welcoming and flavorful experience that resonates deeply with the local community. The sheer variety ensures that there is something for every craving, making it a reliable and exciting choice day after day.

The focus on freshly baked bread, like the beloved Cuban Bread, and the wide array of classic appetizers—from Papa Rellena to various Empanadas—demonstrate a commitment to preserving and celebrating traditional recipes. This dedication to cultural authenticity, coupled with efficient service options, is why CAO Bakery & Cafe is continually celebrated by local Florida patrons.

Location and Accessibility

CAO Bakery & Cafe is strategically located at 7616 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, USA. This West Hillsborough Avenue address places it in a high-traffic area, making it an incredibly convenient stop for daily commuters and local residents in Tampa. The ease of access is a key factor in its popularity, particularly for those on their way to or from work who rely on quick, efficient service.

A significant highlight for all Florida users is the bakery's unwavering commitment to accessibility. CAO ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for every customer by providing comprehensive accommodations:

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

This level of detail means that everyone in the Tampa community can enjoy the full range of dining options offered. Furthermore, parking is easy and stress-free, with both a Free parking lot and Free street parking available. The location is optimized for a Quick visit, whether you're utilizing the drive-through or stepping inside.

Services Offered

Understanding the fast-paced life in Florida, CAO Bakery & Cafe provides an exceptional range of service options designed for maximum convenience and flexibility.

  • Drive-through: Perfect for the busy morning commuter, allowing customers to easily order and receive items like a Cafe Con Leche or a Breakfast Croissant without leaving their car. As one customer noted: "I was able to pull up through the drive through, order and get my food with ease. It didn’t take long for me to receive my food and it was fresh and hot."
  • Dine-in: Offers a comfortable environment for enjoying a Cuban Plate, a full breakfast, or a casual lunch with friends and family.
  • In-store pickup: Allows pre-ordered items, especially catering trays like the 75pcs Pastelitos Assorted or Tray of Pastelitos & Croqueticas, to be quickly collected.
  • Takeout: The classic option for grabbing individual sandwiches, snacks, or bakery items to enjoy at home or on the go.
  • Delivery: Provides the ultimate convenience, bringing the entire menu, from Cuban sandwich to Pastelitos Guava and Cheese, right to your home or office.

Features / Highlights

CAO Bakery & Cafe boasts several distinguishing features that make it a favorite among Tampa's culinary landscape.

  • Authentic Cuban & Latin Menu: A comprehensive menu that goes far beyond typical cafe fare, featuring classic items like Medianoche, Pan con Bistec, and Ropa Vieja plates.
  • Extensive Bakery Offerings: Specializes in a wide variety of Pastelitos (Guava, Cheese, Nutella, Dulce Leche), Croquetas (House Ham, Bacalao, House Chicken), and Empanadas (Baked Beef, Fried Ropa Vieja, Colombiana Cheese).
  • Full Cuban Coffee Bar: Offers classic Cuban coffee drinks, including Cafe Con Leche (available in CAO cup X Large), Colada, and Cortadito, perfect for a necessary Florida energy boost.
  • Latino-owned Business: Supports the diversity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Florida business community.
  • Exceptional Accessibility: Full wheelchair accessibility for entrance, parking, restroom, and seating, demonstrating commitment to all patrons.
  • Catering Options: Features large-format trays ideal for parties, office meetings, or family gatherings, such as the 100pcs Pastelitos Assorted and Bandeja de Bocaditos 50 pcs.
  • Diverse Meal Times: Offers dedicated menu sections for Breakfast (The Original, Cuban Benedict) and hearty Cuban Plates, ensuring delicious options from morning through the afternoon.

The bakery also accepts both Credit cards and Debit cards, ensuring quick and modern payment processing.

Contact Information

To plan your visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about catering in the Tampa, Florida region, use the following contact details:

  • Address: 7616 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615, USA
  • Phone (Local): (813) 374-0916
  • Mobile Phone: +1 813-374-0916

We recommend checking the full menu online or calling ahead for catering orders to explore the full range of sandwiches, plates, and tray options.

What is Worth Choosing CAO Bakery & Cafe

For residents across the Tampa Bay area and beyond, choosing CAO Bakery & Cafe offers a compelling blend of cultural authenticity, quality food, and modern convenience that is hard to match. It is not merely a bakery; it is a full-service culinary destination that caters to diverse needs, from a morning coffee ritual to a full family meal.

First and foremost is the food itself. The establishment excels in its dual role as a bakery and a cafe. Its selection of Pastelitos—especially the fan-favorite Guava and Cheese—is described by customers as "Excellent," perfectly pairing a sweet, flaky crust with rich filling. The savory options are equally impressive, particularly the Cuban sandwich, a staple that CAO crafts to perfection. Their menu items, such as Pollo Milanesa plate, Lechon plate, and the unique HOLY CAO sandwich series (like the Frita Smash or Croqueta Club), provide a depth of authentic Cuban and Latin American flavors that truly distinguish them from other local eateries.

The convenience factor is a major draw for the busy Florida consumer. The presence of a Drive-through is a game-changer, allowing for rapid service of coffee and breakfast items, a feature highlighted by satisfied patrons who appreciate the fresh, hot food delivered with ease. The comprehensive service options—delivery, takeout, in-store pickup, and dine-in—mean CAO fits seamlessly into any part of your day. This commitment to accessibility is further underscored by the full suite of wheelchair accessibility features, making it a welcoming place for everyone in the community.

Finally, choosing CAO means supporting a local, Latino-owned business that is deeply rooted in the Tampa community. The passionate commitment to quality and tradition is evident in everything they offer, from a simple Croqueta to a grand catering order. Whether you are craving the comfort of a Tostada with your American Coffee or seeking the perfect Cuban Plate for lunch, CAO Bakery & Cafe delivers an authentic, high-quality, and highly convenient experience that makes it a clear choice over any competitor in the Florida region.

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
  • In-store pickup
  • 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

Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
PHOTOS

See the bakery

VISITOR FEEDBACK

Reviews and recurring themes

Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.

cafe con leche 24croquetas 14cuban food 11pastelito 11drive thru 11ham 9cuban sandwich 8cuban bread 6medianoche sandwich 5steak sandwich 5
★ 5.0

Excellent pastries!! Enjoyed the guava and cheese pastelito and Cuban sandwich… great options for takeout💕

Aug 8 · LauraLee Peppler
★ 5.0

Tiffany with Offline - Cao Bakery and Cafe was convenient for me on my route to work. I was able to pull up through the drive through, order and get my food with ease. It didn’t take long for me to receive my food and it was fresh and hot. I loved the fresh Cuban bread with butter and the eggs w/ bacon. The cafe con leche hit the spot on a cool morning. I would highly recommend this gem.

Jan 15 · Tiffany Humphrey
★ 5.0

This place is such an awesome addition to the area. The food is delicious. The staff is so kind. The decor is so cute and the restaurant is immaculate.

Jun 12 · Barbara Wright
★ 5.0

Such an amazing place great people and best of all great food made with lots of love. We visited for the first time yesterday and of course we had to come back today for some more!!!

Jul 6 · yilins Garcia (Gigi)
★ 5.0

I was curious to try this place so gave it a shot. Their cuban sandwich is delicious and great price for their food. Lots of bakery items to choose from. Service is friendly, it can be a bit of a wait when they’re busy. Overall, I definitely will come back!

Aug 31 · Airika
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About this listing

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.

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