Paseo Caribbean Food

Paseo Caribbean Food, at 4225 Fremont Avenue North in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, Washington, has been one of Seattle's most beloved sandwich shops since its founding in the early 1990s by Lorenzo Lorenzo, a Cuban immigrant. The restaurant built a devoted following — and a years-long reputation as one of the best casual food destinations in the Pacific Northwest — around a remarkably simple proposition: Caribbean-marinated roast pork in a crusty roll with caramelized onions, a smear of aioli, fresh jalapeños, and cilantro. The Caribbean Roast sandwich is the reason Paseo exists and the reason lines extend down the block on weekend afternoons. The pork is marinated in citrus, garlic, and herbs, then slow-roasted until it can be pulled or sliced, carrying a depth of flavor disproportionate to its simple preparation. The pressed Cubano — roast pork with ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed on a plancha — demonstrates the kitchen's second strongest suit. The menu is short by design: a handful of sandwiches, a soup, and a rice and beans bowl. The Fremont original is open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and early dinner, with the hours tending to be shorter than guests expect. A Capitol Hill location now operates with slightly expanded hours. Paseo closed briefly in 2014 following Lorenzo's retirement but was purchased by a long-time employee who preserved the original recipes; the quality has been maintained by fans' standards.