COPA takes pride in being the country’s first authentic farm-to-table Cuban restaurant and a living wage employer. They serve traditional Cuban sandwiches and dishes by day and tapas and drinks by night. At a time when Havana’s ports welcomed ships and traders from all over the world, their small plates were inspired by the tastes and diversity of 19th-century Cuba. The space has undergone a complete makeover by owners Roberto and Elizabeth, much like their sadly shut-down Havana Sandwich Shop. COPA has a traditional Caribbean flavor to it, from the worn wood plank floors, dangling glass-blown lamps, and the sea-green paint.

The lunch menu was adapted from Old Havana Sandwich, which over the course of 7 years, gained a devoted clientele. COPA uses locally sourced, slow-cooked, pasture-raised pork from a young farmer to make their acclaimed Cuban sandwiches.

While utilizing the bounty of North Carolina to produce unique and intriguing concoctions in the spirit of Prohibition-era mixology, COPA’s bar program pays homage to the deep and rich history of traditional Cuban cocktails. Zero-proof cocktails are also available for the drinking pleasure of non-drinkers. Try their Zero-Proof Mojito, which is a non-alcoholic version of the symbol of the Cuban cocktail culture. It is made with fresh mint, fresh lime juice, organic cane syrup, and club soda. Other N/A options include Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Tehuacan Sparkling Mineral Water, and Pure Intentions Nitro Cold Brew.