Croissants, Cuban Rolls, and Creative Combos: A Morning at Marlene’s
Marlene’s Original Breakfast Sandwich food truck is at the corner of N Dale Mabry and Hamilton Ave.
Have you ever been driving around and spotted a place that instantly piqued your interest? That’s exactly what happened to me when I came across Marlene’s Breakfast Sandwiches food truck, tucked away at the corner of N Dale Mabry and Hamilton Avenue. The first thing that grabbed my attention was the vintage-style, lighted sign proudly announcing “Breakfast Sandwiches” — one of my favorite ways to start the day. I made a mental note to check it out. As it turns out, Marlene’s Original Breakfast Sandwiches (MOBS) has been a local staple for years. Owner Marlene Clara Jurgensmeyer opened the eatery with a simple goal: to combine all her favorite breakfast essentials into irresistible combinations.
The menu features eight different sandwich varieties, each with tasty toppings. You can choose between a Cuban breakfast roll, a buttery French croissant, or — in one case — a Thomas’s everything bagel. The selections offer a cross-section of flavor combinations that satisfy almost any palate. Customers are welcome to customize or modify their sandwich, but every option starts with fresh-cracked eggs (over easy, with the yolk broken and cooked) or scrambled. Meat choices include thick bacon, pork or turkey sausage links, beef, burger patties, kielbasa, and sliced steak. For veggies, options like spinach, tomatoes, onions, and other greens round out the offerings. Sides include MOBS Tots, MOBS Potato Wedges, Greek Yogurt, and a granola bar.
Freshly made Caprese breakfast sandwich with croissant, mozzarella, spinach, tomato, and pesto at Marlene’s in Tampa. © Chip Weiner.
Fully Loaded - fresh cracked egg, bacon, and linked sausage, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, maple syrup, on a Cuban breakfast roll.© Chip Weiner
The Caprese is a standout: a buttery croissant filled with a fried egg, grilled mozzarella, fresh tomato, baby spinach, and a flavorful pesto. It’s a savory, satisfyingly messy bite that’s well worth a return trip. The Fully Loaded lives up to its name, starting with a Cuban breakfast roll piled high with a fried egg, bacon, sausage, grilled onions, and melted cheddar cheese, served with a side of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Like the Caprese, it’s nothing short of delightful.
If I were going to make one tweak- since I am a Tampeño, I would replace the Cuban roll with Cuban bread; La Segunda bread to be exact. The rolls here are good. That bread pressed with these cerative ingredients would be extraordinary. But, they didn't ask me and they are clearly running a successful kitchen . I’ll def go back!
Marlene's Breakfast Sandwich menu offers eight combos of flavors and breads.. © Chip Weiner
Marlene’s food truck is tucked back in the corner with two other food offerings at the corner of North Dale Mabry and Hamilton Ave.© Chip Weiner
They offer a dollar off all original sandwiches Tuesday-Thursday, and $.50 off on Fridays. Service is outstanding and neighborly. Sandwiches are all around the $10 mark. Coffee selections are excellent and based on Buddy Brew products. Soft drinks are also available. Covered seating is limited, and it’s all outdoors, so plan accordingly. If you are going to grab and go, they offer text (or call) ahead service, so orders are ready when you arrive. Uber Eats is also an option. Credit cards only.
Marlene's comes from the school of do one thing and do it well. Too many restaurants offer lists of items trying to please everybody. MOBS has the perfect formula.
Hours: Tue - Fri : 7:30am - 12:30pm , Sat - Sun: 8am - 12:30pm, closed Monday.
7206 North Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, FL 33614
Call or Text: (813) 499-MOBS