The building on the far right of this photo, later known as the Cuervo Building, was constructed in the late 1800s. George Maximo Cuervo opened Cuervo’s Café in 1933 at the corner of Broadway (now 7th Ave) and 18th St., taking over the location from The Superior Store. Julian Garcia took ownership thereafter. The cafe later became known as Cuervo’s Restaurant.  It originally occupied one of the two storefronts on the first floor and eventually took both spots, opening a liquor store next door. It was a local favorite, serving traditional Cuban dishes and popular Cuban sandwiches.

Cuervo’s was a go-to spot for prominent politicians, including Mayor Nick Nuccio and county commissioners in the 1960s and Lawton Chiles during his 1970 campaign for governor. It was also a favorite among Jai Alai players.

Cuervo’s Restaurant and Cut-Rate Liquors is on the far right in this photo from the 1970s. Edwards Juvenile clothing sign is visible, but the space is empty, reflecting the struggles of retail businesses in Ybor City during that time. Moving westward, Broadway Fabrics and Modern Home Furnishings can be seen, as well as the iconic “Casino” sign on the Centro Español club building at 16th St.

The restaurant faced the same economic challenges as others, leading to its listing for sale in 1973 for $25,000, which dropped to $10,000 in 1974. In early 1976, Pulido’s Lounge opened in the same spot but closed by mid-1977. That year, RJ’s Rendezvous Lounge joined El Goya, both gay clubs, along 7th Avenue. In November 1977, El Goya was severely damaged by a fire suspected to be arson by competing gay club owners. RJ’s Rendezvous experienced a similar fate in 1979, suffering extensive damage in another suspected dispute between rival gay bars. After standing vacant for several years, the building was purchased in late 1980 by businessman Brad Tiller, who began renovating it in hopes of opening a restaurant. Unfortunately, in June 1981, lightning struck the building, causing it to collapse into the street and leading to its demolition. The site is now a surface parking lot.

 © Chip Weiner. All rights reserved