New cafe, Cortadito, brings Cuban flavors and hospitality to KCK

Cortadito owners Karell Martinez and Nubia Gomez // Photo by Tiffany Watts

This Saturday, Kansas City’s newest Cuban cafe, Cortadito, opened its doors, inviting the community to experience the warmth, flavor, and spirit of Cuba right in the heart of the city.

Owners Karell Martinez and Nubia Gomez, both deeply connected to their Cuban heritage, aim to make Cortadito more than a coffee shop. They envision a community space where the flavors and culture of Cuba can be shared with KC locals and visitors alike.

Martinez and Gomez saw an opportunity to create a space that honors their Cuban roots and, drawing on their real estate backgrounds, came across a building in one of KC’s beloved neighborhoods—a vibrant, predominantly Hispanic area. They purchased it and brought Cafe Cortadito to life, naming it after the iconic Cuban espresso drink made with half espresso and half milk. For Martinez, who moved from Cuba to the U.S. at age 16, this “half and half” concept reflects his life divided between his Cuban roots and his American journey.

The cafe boasts beautiful murals by local artists Isaac Tapia and Rodrigo Alvarez. The murals depict Cuba’s rich history and resilient spirit, blending images of blue skies, classic cars, and icons of Cuban culture.

Cortadito // Photo by Tiffany Watts

During my visit, I had the chance to sample a variety of traditional Cuban treats and coffee that they offer. The ham and chicken croquetas were perfectly crisp, with a creamy, savory filling that paired beautifully with the intense, sweet Café Cubano—a small but powerful shot of espresso. The Papa Rellena, a fried potato stuffed with seasoned beef, was hearty and full of flavor, while the Chicharritas (crispy fried plantain chips) offered a delightful crunch and salty bite, perfect for snacking. 

For something sweet, I tried the Pastelito de Guayaba, a delicate pastry filled with guava. It had a satisfying flakiness that melted with each bite, leaving a lingering sweetness of tropical fruit. The highlight of the dessert lineup was the Panetela Borracha, a Cuban sponge cake known for its moist, rum-infused richness. Each bite was soft, lightly boozy, and paired wonderfully with coffee.

The cafe focuses on traditional Cuban drinks like Café Cubano and Colada, and while they currently don’t offer dairy alternatives, Nubia and Karell plan to add options like oat and almond milk to make the menu more accessible. In addition, they hope to introduce gluten-free and dairy-free pastries in the future, allowing more people to enjoy the authentic taste of Cuban coffee and cuisine.

Cortadito // Photo by Tiffany Watts

But what sets Cortadito apart isn’t just its menu. It’s the owners’ commitment to building a welcoming space. “In Cuba, every home you visit offers you a coffee and something to eat,” says Martinez and lucky for Kansas City, they’re infusing this Cuban hospitality into the Cortadito experience. They’ve even included a domino table in the cafe, where guests can play, chat, and feel at home.

Cortadito is located at 400 N. 18th St., Kansas City, KS 66102.