Yelp Names Kool Korner’s Cuban Sandwich as Alabama’s Best

According to Yelp, the top sandwich in Alabama is the classic Cuban from Kool Korner Sandwiches, located in Vestavia Hills. This renowned spot, founded by the late Ildefonso Ramirez and now run by his son, Bill Ramirez, has earned the title of Alabama's best in Yelp's roundup of the top sandwiches across the country.

Yelp highlighted Kool Korner for its authentic Cuban sandwich, praising it as "the real deal." The sandwich is crafted using the original recipe of Ildefonso Ramirez, who emigrated from Cuba in the 1970s and perfected this culinary delight.

To determine the best sandwich spots, Yelp analyzed a wealth of reviews for businesses in the sandwich category, focusing on mentions of “sandwiches” and evaluating various factors, such as location, review volume, and ratings.

From Cuba to Alabama

Ildefonso Ramirez, who left Cuba in 1970, and his wife, Lucia, began serving their Cuban sandwiches at Kool Korner Grocery in Midtown Atlanta in 1985. Their Cuban creation quickly garnered acclaim, winning multiple "Best of Atlanta" awards from Atlanta Magazine and earning a spot on Garden & Gun's list of “100 Southern Foods You Absolutely, Positively Must Try Before You Die.”

After the passing of his wife in 2003 and the sale of their Atlanta location three years later, Ildefonso Ramirez relocated to Birmingham to be near his son, Bill. In 2009, they reopened Kool Korner Sandwiches in Vestavia Hills, moving to their current location in 2016.

Although Ildefonso Ramirez passed away in January at nearly 101 years old, his legacy lives on through his son, who continues to serve the acclaimed Cuban sandwiches at Kool Korner.