132580 Tue Jan 25 15:27:14 -0800 2005 71 10 Florida 0 714499 I spent three weeks in Cuba last summer. Beautiful country and wonderful people, but the food was less than great....... Am going to Miami for a conference in a couple of weeks, and have been told that the BEST Cuban food can be found there. Will only be able to sneak out for one lunch or dinner, and am looking for the "best" Cuban food. Price is not a real issue, but "fancy" is not a goal in itself.......... Tue Jan 25 15:27:14 -0800 2005 0 Viking10 1 714501 Where are you staying? If you're staying downtown, just take a short cab ride to Versailles in Little Havana. Tue Jan 25 16:11:29 -0800 2005 714499 0 Carolina 2 714509 It definitely depends where you're staying. Versailles is close to downtown. If you're near the airport, I'd recommend Las Culebrinas. Wed Jan 26 09:17:50 -0800 2005 714501 0 lax2mia 3 714515 Las Culebrinas, two thumbs up! Wed Jan 26 13:51:38 -0800 2005 714509 0 Indio 3 714516 I just ate at Versailles yesterday for lunch. I am visiting the area but I was impressed at the number of local people dining there. My family and I enjoyed the food there very much. Wed Jan 26 14:31:11 -0800 2005 714509 0 Amy G. 3 716900 I recently ate at the original location of Las Culebrinas (just north of Coral Gables) and it was a very impressive meal. Vaca Frita over roasted plantains. My Cuban sister-in-law guesses that the plantains were steamed in their skins for a long time, then poached in wine, and then sauteed in butter. She says it's a long process, but let me tell you it was worth it! For dirt cheap meals in a diner environment, I've also eaten well at La Careta on Bird Rd. and L'Esquina de Tejas near the Orange Bowl. But those are not recent recommendations. Fri May 27 20:32:05 -0700 2005 714509 0 Steve 1 714542 My wife and I also visited Versailles on calle ocho a couple of weeks ago. The food was very good - lots of tasty pork cooked in a variety of ways! As a previous poster mentioned, we too were impressed by the significant patronage of locals speaking Spanish, giving it a definite Cuban ambiance. We'll be back when we visit Miami again. Thu Jan 27 22:27:06 -0800 2005 714499 0 Carl C. 1 714907 I had lunch at Versailles Wednesday. Absolutely the best soups (esp. black bean soup) you've ever had. I had the pork and Michael had the boleche. The plaintains that come with it melt in the mouth and of course the flan is tip top! I loved it. Fri Feb 11 17:59:18 -0800 2005 714499 0 bwdirector 1 716898 I was born in Cuba and I like to post my opinion regarding the comment of the food in Cuba not being very good. Unless one takes our own spices and other ingredients the food will not be good at all. It's a communist country they don’t have enough food to eat much less make it taste good. I spend two weeks in Oriente, and all my family had allot of was Juca with garlic one of my favorite so I did not mind. Fri May 27 12:42:58 -0700 2005 714499 0 Ana 1 2751514 I'm reviving this thread because it's a highly contentious one and it deserves to be brought up for revision. Plus, I still don't know the answer to the question The best Cuban food in Miami? I really like the Cuban food at El Nuevo Siglo supermarket on Calle Ocho. Great prices, great food. Sun Jul 15 10:58:01 -0700 2007 714499 101012 mialebven 1 2969536 We'll be having about 10-15 meals on vacation, and I would like to fill a bulk of them with Cuban food, so I'd love to hear more... please provide general pricing per entree as well. Thanks! Sun Sep 23 23:37:31 -0700 2007 714499 93291 boltnut55 2 2969742 Boltnut - In addition to this post, there's some good discussion of Cuban restaurants here -> http://www.chowhound.com/topics/420646 (it's sort of buried in the middle of the post, so scroll down some). Maybe you'll prove me wrong, but I suspect unless you REALLY love Cuban food that after a couple meals you'll be looking for some more variety. If you want local ethnic fare, I'd encourage you to diversify - there's Argentinian, Peruvian, Haitian Creole, Jamaican / West Indian ... Mon Sep 24 06:13:44 -0700 2007 2969536 35525 Frodnesor 3 3177572 Just found this thread again. Thanks for the link. Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking... I'm thinking that the spices may get to me after a while too. Your other ethnic rec. are great... the funny thing is that I'm going to Jamaica first and then stopping at Miami before flying home. Mon Dec 03 23:57:51 -0800 2007 2969742 93291 boltnut55 2 2973361 The Cuban food at the following places are cheap and good - even cheaper than Versailles! El Nuevo Siglo supermarket on Calle Ocho Oasis in Hialeah near Miami Lakes and Gratigney For a bit on the higher scale, dine in, Mojitos inside western Miami's Dolphin Mall is good. And for bakeries where you can stock yourself with small Cuban goodies that are perfect for road trips: (we need a thread on Cuban bakeries since I'm not sure which are the best in town) Ricky's Bakery on Coral Way near Coral Gables or if it's closed at the time, then... Versailles - there's a bakery next door to the restaurant. Tue Sep 25 05:47:41 -0700 2007 2969536 101012 mialebven 1 2973927 I like Little Havana on Biscayne Blvd and 127 Street. The lechon asado is fantastic, as are the black beans. Tue Sep 25 08:53:54 -0700 2007 714499 88361 keysrat 2 3177976 I tried Puerto Sagua in South Beach over the weekend. Definitley the spot to hit if your looking for a decent meal at a decent price. All locals and open til 2:00am! Tue Dec 04 07:32:20 -0800 2007 2973927 27014 mountdorahound 1 3283781 Trying to compile a current Cuban list, thanks for the help and current opinions on these and others you can suggest: Never liked David Cafe--so I didn't add it---but would like to hear what others think...think there's going to be a new one, correct? -Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine--any opinions? several locations http://www.lasvegascubancuisine.com/locations.htm -Versailles link from menu pages--in Little Havana--it's more nostalgic than special food wise for me...although I really do like their bakery alot... http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp? areaid=0&restaurantid=33290&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Yuca link on menupages--expensive fusion cuban...haven't eaten there since many years ago, so can't vouch for current quality at all... http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=24513&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Barrio Latino--doesn't get alot of love on this board, but I've had GREAT lunches there, and some definite misses at dinner--but for an $8 lunch special it can't be beat--and they let me substitute a beautiful huge fresh salad instead of rice, no extra charge--in the Waterways shoppes in Aventura and they also have one in Kendall Nice atmosphere, toddler friendly!, and inexpensive-mod -La Carretta--never been? In Hialeah? What is it?It's owned by same owners as Versailles and Casa Juancho Inexpensive looking on menupages..what's good there --link on menu pages below..is this the right one, because there are over 6 restaurants by the same name on menupages???? http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=32721&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Havana Harry's -Coral Gables---menu link on menupages http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=32721&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Lario's on the Beach--been for lunch several times--great chicken steak, didn't like the palomilla steak....nice to sit outside--- http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=32613&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Las Culebrinas www.culebrinas.com and link for menu on menupages below Several locations...which is the best? Flagler seems to get the most votes, favorite dishes? Great value. http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=42733&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Little Havana in North Miami on Biscayne--decent neigborhood cuban good value popular--link for menu on menupages--atmosphere kinda eh http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=24655&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Padrino's several locations, although I've only eaten at the Hallandale one and it's always been okay---link from menupages below http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=34298&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Puerto Sagua--a sentimental old favorite in South Beach, cheap divey place link from menupages below http://southflorida.menupages.com/restaurantdetails.asp?areaid=0&restaurantid=32621&neighborhoodid=0&cuisineid=19&home=Y -Don't forget Pollo Tropical--fast food cuban--all over the place www.pollotropical.com ANd last but not least a great link to the 3 guys from Miami site all about Cuban food, etc:this link is for their restaurant favorites..lots of interesting stuff here: http://3guysfrommiami.com/dining.html Am really wondering about their picks???any opinions on the following and their recc's: -Ay Mama Ines on SW 40th St? CREOLE CUBAN--and lots of tapas -Latin American Cafeteria--Cuban Sandwich spot--3 locations -Casa Puancho SW 8th St (spanish cuban--fancy) -Casa Paco SW 40th St (spanish cuban) -Sergios--4 locations 2 until midnight 2 open 24hours--cheap and good -El Ray de las Fritas--4 locations cuban fast food--great burger fries, batidos-- -Che Tito's -SW 88th st--great steak -Texas de Brazil--NW 12th st -Casa Romeu--Hialeah, and Miami Lakes, and Davie--Chino Latino and killer bunelo -El Chalan--SW 40th Peruvian--and Chalan on the Beach--Washing/15th S. Beach -Bahamas Fish Pescaderia--shrimp looks great in photos--3 locations SW 8th st, SW Bird, Hialeah -Garcia's Seafood Grille Miami--ate here years ago, and remember it being good -Asturias in Hialeah Inexpensive ---wow, I'm really craving CUBAN food, right now!!! Thu Jan 10 21:05:17 -0800 2008 714499 11727 janie 2 3283792 I like the pan con lechon and the tostones at Sergio's - I've only been to the Coral Way location. Garcia's has the best fish sandwich in town. I've heard great things about El Rey de las Fritas but haven't been. Thu Jan 10 21:09:54 -0800 2008 3283781 35525 Frodnesor 2 3283863 Texas de Brazil is not Cuban that I know of. I think its a Brazilian Rodizio steakhouse. Sergio's may be better known for their pan con bistec (steak sandwich). Either way, they are best known for their sandwiches, etc rather than anything more substantial. I think you mean Casa Juancho and they are more of a traditonal Spanish offering tapas, cochinillo (suckling pig), etc than Cuban. The restaurant has great ambience and live music but most people find the food to be no more than average. When I've gone I've stayed with the simple tapas (shrimp in garlic, etc.) and enjoyed the atmosphere. La Carretas (all of them), like Casa Juancho, are also owned by the Vals family and are basically a dup of Versailles with a different name. The one on Bird and 87th is the most famous and reputedly serves more espressos daily than any place in the US. Casa Paco is again more spanish than cuban although like with all these places there is some "bleeding over". Emilio Estefan used to eat there regularly back in the day (he may still?) and they used to be known for their Fabada Asturiana (a kind of rich/heavy bean stew with assorted piggy product :). El Rey is one of Netmovers favorites and this link describes the product pretty well: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/134563#2023197 Havana Harry's is well known for their tostones rellenos (stuffed with shrimp/beef or combo (the shrimp ones are definitely a great app)) and claims to have invented Chicken Vaca Frita (like the name implies shredded chicken crisped up in mojo style sauce with onions). El Chalan and Chalan are Peruvian. The original Bahamas Fish Market on calle ocho is a great place for fairly priced seafood (lets face it, even though we live basically surrounded by water decent fresh seafood aint cheap) It's in a strip mall and has been serving some of freshest fish for over 30 years now. Formica tables, paper mats, and juicy fish yum! They do a mean fried whole snapper. Great grouper filets, decent paella/arroz con mariscos (yellow rice and seafood), cod fritters and assorted other frituritas including conch, etc. It was "Garcia's" way before Garcia's. That being said, Garcia's does a good job with fish sandwiches and the like plus has a great supply of stone crabbys which is always a big plus. No thread on Cuban in Miami would be complete without mentioning a true 30 year plus institution on Bird and 30 something, Nena's. For real Miami Cuban politicos and assorted heavys go to Nena's. Been around for over 30 years and does good cuban style home cookin. Be warned that the decor is not great shakes but the food usually is. They are only open for breakfast and lunch during the week I think (or at least that is only when I go). This is a good link to an article by Fernandez of the Herald highlighting some classic cuban restaurants: http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/columnists/enrique_fernandez/story/290413.html Hope some of this helps. Thu Jan 10 21:43:24 -0800 2008 3283781 147869 eatnbmerry 3 3283883 Confirmed that TBR is Brazillian. Want to try it out and hoping it is as good or better than Grimpa but doubting it... Thu Jan 10 21:54:39 -0800 2008 3283863 50328 tpigeon 4 3285957 Being a chain (and expanding rapidly)style I wonder how much it hurts or does it allow them to muscle in on meat suppliers and get better cuts (like your beloved PL does in NY)? BTW, that space on the Beach is where a lot of resty's go to die. It is huge (TBR's config is supposedly 650 wow!) and is almost better suited as a convention dining hall IMHO. Fri Jan 11 13:05:36 -0800 2008 3283883 147869 eatnbmerry 3 3283924 good info, thanks...yes, the places mentioned in end of my post were from the 3 guys from Miami site, which listed their favorite restuarants mostly Cuban, and then some Spanish, and Brazillian, and Peruvian...and was curious about them in general... Thu Jan 10 22:23:49 -0800 2008 3283863 11727 janie 3 3283928 *Sergio's may be better known for their pan con bistec (steak sandwich). Either way, they are best known for there sandwiches, etc rather than anything more substantial.* Not that there's anything wrong - or even insubstantial - about a good sandwich. Thu Jan 10 22:25:01 -0800 2008 3283863 35525 Frodnesor 4 3283935 Most definitely or so said the Earl! BTW, after reading some posts I really want to try Le Sandwicherie and the meatball parm at Macaluso's Market on the beach. Thu Jan 10 22:31:26 -0800 2008 3283928 147869 eatnbmerry 5 3286989 Le Sandwicherie is terrific with free double parking. Fri Jan 11 17:59:03 -0800 2008 3283935 105372 taiga 3 3286842 I actually like the tortilla de platanos (o maduros - if it comes with potatoes, i normally ask them to take it out) in Sergio's - it's really the thing that's making me go back to Sergio's. It's big enough for it to be a tapa (shared with people), cheap enough to eat often, and I haven't had better yet anywhere else in Miami. As for the rest, I still stand by my choices I've mentioned above. Fri Jan 11 17:06:38 -0800 2008 3283863 101012 mialebven 4 3287205 Everything @ Las Vegas is delicious!! Definitely worth going. Fri Jan 11 19:33:08 -0800 2008 3286842 155575 sanman 4 3287254 TY mia, I've never had there and definitely will try next time around. Any particular location you prefer? Fri Jan 11 19:58:29 -0800 2008 3286842 147869 eatnbmerry 5 3287336 I've had them at the Coral Way location. A Cuban friend of mine said he'll only vouch for two Sergio's in all of Miami - Coral Way and Miami Lakes (now a Casavana in Miami Lakes). Fri Jan 11 20:40:24 -0800 2008 3287254 101012 mialebven 6 3287340 Interesting, the only one I've tried is the one on Bird and 90 something (I thought it was the original but who knows?) and then only the pan con bistec. TY again for rec. Fri Jan 11 20:42:44 -0800 2008 3287336 147869 eatnbmerry 7 3287732 Maybe someone in Chowhound can mention if it's the "same" or if there's slight variations in quality between the locations. I, myself, have only been to the Coral Way location, even for the while when I lived in South Miami, close by to the one on 90 something and Bird. Sat Jan 12 05:24:14 -0800 2008 3287340 101012 mialebven 8 3289608 I've been to the one on 152 and it was subpar. On the other hand, every time I've been on Coral Way, it's been solid. Sat Jan 12 19:10:34 -0800 2008 3287732 105372 taiga 1 3289746 The best Cuban hands down : Luis Galindo's Latin America Red Road and SW 8th ST (just south) Nothing special ambiancewise, but the food is hard to beat. Lario's is also top notch cubano cuisine...beach, West Flagler and South Miami. AG> says Molina's in Hialeah is A#1 and having perused the place...I beleive it very well could take the cake. Versailles, as much as I think all tourists ought to check it out, does not match up cuisinewise IMHO . Sat Jan 12 20:19:06 -0800 2008 714499 14634 netmover 2 3289782 The Flagler Lario's is the original and used to be the go to one although I haven't been there in a few years now. The one on the beach, the second one, originally was in partnership with the Estefans' and wasn't considered as good which may or may not be true today since I really don't go to SoBe to eat cubano. The one in S Miami is the newest and I have gone there the most within the last few years. It is a nice space that gets a good happy hour crowd, especially on Fridays. The food is decent although nothing really jumps out at you. My Hialeah friends have always sworn by Molina's and it is considered the power lunch place for their local pols. I have never been, but suspect that it is probably decent as well. I must admit that I'm completely ignorant of LG's Latin American but based on you and Frod rec'ing I will definitely be checking it out soon. And finally, I completely agree about Versailles. It is so-so food with a great (probably numero uno) cafecito counter. Sat Jan 12 20:33:50 -0800 2008 3289746 147869 eatnbmerry 3 3290248 Like you have said in so many words, Cuban food is hardly haute cuisine. And in reality, there is really only two types: Good and Bad! The good stuff is hard to compare and the bad stuff isn't worth comparing... LG's and Lario's are the best of the good that I have had down here, but the other good ones mentioned, are probably equally good, if you know what I'm trying to say? Sun Jan 13 06:43:17 -0800 2008 3289782 14634 netmover 4 3290472 Si Yes Si. Although I would add a disclaimer, it can be raised. Just ask Norman about his Roast Pork Havana, or Dougie's (the best Cubano chef outside anyones abuela :) myriad creations, or even Michy's croquetas. In fact, wasn't the mango gang partly/largely inspired by the ingredients and flavors available in cuban cuisine? Victor's had great following in NY, it bombed here. Why? The "refugee mentality" which you can read about in this link if you're interested: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/470381#3286207 Times they are a changing and hopefully the next generation of cubanos will fulfill the niche that has been largely missing in Mi-ami! Sun Jan 13 08:34:36 -0800 2008 3290248 147869 eatnbmerry 5 3290491 I'm just looking for abuela's version of Pork...not that I don't dig what Dougie has done...his pork is simply not as good! And at 2.5x the price, I'll take abuelas every time! Did you see where Nena's got the dirty dining award? The camaras were flashing and the deuche bag manager was back peddlin' like a circus clown! It was hilarious and a shame at the same time considering how many times I've savoured Nena's in the past. Not so much recently, but 5-10 years ago, I was there almost once a week. Sun Jan 13 08:42:24 -0800 2008 3290472 14634 netmover 6 3290528 Me too! Along with the best chicharones ever!! I'm sorry to hear about Nena's too. I haven't been there in few years as well, but I don't really think that will turn off the loyal following it has built up. And while I didn't see the video, and not that I condone dirty kitchens, but sometimes we make too much of so called "cleanliness". Do you think some of our favorite luncheras are spitting clean? Do you think that the 200 year plus places in Europe are? Go to Mejico and tell me how "clean" your favorite fish taco place is. What about Shanghai and Beijing! Unfortunately I've never been, but judging from Bourdain's experience(s) I don't think it would win any cleanliness awards over here even though the sabor of the food appears to be second to none (that peking duck looked soooo yum). Some of our clean,sterile places could use a little "dirt" if that is what it takes to match the flavor of the aforementioned places IMHO. Sun Jan 13 09:06:30 -0800 2008 3290491 147869 eatnbmerry 7 3291426 I wonder if that turned off any of Nena's very loyal clientel? Probably not, it seems they know everyone who walks in the place. There has got to be a great Cubano place serving up solid Lechon, at least every weekend...where? I remember Calle 8 used to have a place dedicated to Pan con Lechon...seems to have gone by the wayside. Thank God El Rey de las Fritas continues to flourish! There's nothing better than a good Pan con Lechon...here lil piggy piggy suey suey...:-@ Sun Jan 13 14:54:57 -0800 2008 3290528 14634 netmover 8 3291585 Palacios de los Jugos serves it up everyday. But it is hit or miss as to being dried out or juicy unfortunately. The chicharones are a better bet to be good though :). Sun Jan 13 15:57:19 -0800 2008 3291426 147869 eatnbmerry 4 3293217 I'm no Cuban food expert, but the Lario's in South Miami, despite a relatively pleasant room and affordable prices, doesn't do it for me as much as Versailles, which I think brings it consistently. Mon Jan 14 08:24:14 -0800 2008 3290248 105372 taiga 5 3294919 You can flip a coin on most days but in this match you are probably right more often than not. Mon Jan 14 14:47:37 -0800 2008 3293217 147869 eatnbmerry 1 3294953 It may sound crazy to some. But when on the go, the black beans and rice at Pollo Tropical (I know I know) is usually well above average (and if not just return it). Mon Jan 14 14:55:52 -0800 2008 714499 147869 eatnbmerry 2 3295039 Islas Canarias belongs on this list. I had a nice ajiaco there today and all else has been solid there over the years. The new one is nicer 137th Ave, but the old one is much closer 27th ave. Versailles is Versailles...that Caretta affiliation scares me! But I love Casa Juancho, so I guess that is a moot point. I have not been to the Lario's in South Miami, but if I had to choose, I would prefer Lario's or Luis Galindo's Latin America over Versailles...Isla Canarias too for that matter...Ayestaren tambien! Mon Jan 14 15:22:10 -0800 2008 3294953 14634 netmover 3 3296002 The daugther runs the new one I think and seems to be consistently better. Used to go out there for their Paticas a la Andaluza. Both places make great tostones especiales but they are not on the menu and you gotta request them. Basically, your typical tostones except they have been pounded out to the size of a small saucer and therefore are super thin and crispy. So good you don't need to spoil them with the mojo either! A little salt and AWAY YOU GO! Its been a while now for me and thinking of them has got my own mojo going :). Mon Jan 14 20:36:36 -0800 2008 3295039 147869 eatnbmerry 4 3296021 As stated elsewhere on this board, I am partial to Colombian Ajiaco, but I must say they do a nice Cuban one over at Islas. Kind of got that Tamal en Oja base chock filled with meats and a variety of taters including malanga, sweet potato and auyama? Mon Jan 14 20:42:49 -0800 2008 3296002 14634 netmover 5 3296246 Auyama is Venezuelan for calabaza, which is pumpkin in Spanish. Since you spoke a Venezuelan word in the same sentence with Tamal, I'm now thinking about hallacas! What's the name of the Cuban version of the Ajiaco? Mon Jan 14 23:26:38 -0800 2008 3296021 101012 mialebven 6 3296401 Ajiaco. Funny, I thought Auyama wa the white sweet potato? Tue Jan 15 04:05:13 -0800 2008 3296246 14634 netmover 7 3296476 I thought the white sweet potato was boniato or malanga.... but auyama is definitely pumpkin! I'm not sure what the difference is between boniato and malanga. And I'm not even sure if there's another white sweet potato out there... *Star Trek theme playing* Tue Jan 15 05:10:33 -0800 2008 3296401 101012 mialebven 8 3296481 You're right! It's boniato I was thinking of....just having a gringo moment! Thanks again for the clarification. I defer the "vianda" contents of Cuban Ajiaco to...los cubanos. Tue Jan 15 05:15:23 -0800 2008 3296476 14634 netmover 9 3868276 So what's the best Cuban Sandwich in Miami? I love the croqueta preparada at Havana Harry's and Sergio's. Any other stand out cuban sandwich? An Elena Ruth or Cuban that I must have? I was thinking of trying Sarussi's. Is it worth it? or should i just stick with the above and maybe the one at Bin 18? Opinions please. Mon Jul 14 14:56:24 -0700 2008 3296481 174986 miamisweet 10 3869325 Have you been to Enriqueta's yet? Mon Jul 14 23:00:06 -0700 2008 3868276 156760 karmalaw 11 3870252 I have been there. The chicken sandwich is delish as is the omlette sand. but the cuban is not the greatest. Tue Jul 15 09:35:31 -0700 2008 3869325 174986 miamisweet 12 4113249 Any new reports? Sat Oct 18 14:00:11 -0700 2008 3870252 12397 kel 2 4599839 Not at all! Pollo Tropical is the best! The food is always good and you can't beat the price anywhere! Check out their website for some killer savings. Wed Apr 15 19:06:21 -0700 2009 3294953 283090 Bu214 3 4600388 Pollo Tropical is horrendous. The last time I went there, I left miserable that my body needed food to function. The truth is cacero Cuban cooking does not really exist in restaurants, because the food can be quite delicious and I am still surprised that no new concepts embracing more homestyle cooking has appeared. That being said, are there any new and noteworthy Cuban places around? Our lists tend to have a hole in this category. Maybe out west? Thu Apr 16 04:39:52 -0700 2009 4599839 124704 Icantread 4 4600615 I've enjoyed Sazon around 73rd and Collins in North Beach. Their garbanzos fritos are great, pretty good rabo also. I don't know how Pollo Tropical got into this discussion. It may not kill you but it certainly is not the best Cuban food in Miami. www.foodforthoughtmiami.com Thu Apr 16 06:31:28 -0700 2009 4600388 35525 Frodnesor 1 4414297 -i really recommend the pan con bistec at mojito grill, on red rd and one block south of sunset. itssoo juicy and even comes with the little "papitas".. pik niks potato strips for the english speakers. they also have a really good cuban rap of chicken or beef with moros and maduros -also, la rosa off lejuene and nw 7th has a great pionono- sweet plantain timbal stuffed with seasoned ground beef- which i dont really see at other places around miami. -the mini medianoches at gilbert's bakery make for a good snack.. and if you throw them on the foreman grill you get the pressed bread/melted cheese effect that makes it sooo good at a restaurant!! -whenever im sick and unable to get my mom or aunt to make me the real thing, i like to stock up on the chicken soup served at Blue Sky on Coral Way and 88th Ave. I also really like their arroz imperial and moros! -la carreta on calle ocho is always a good option for late night bites on the way home from downtown/the beach -my all time favorite croquetas (this side of the Atlantic) are at the Latin Bird Road Cafe on Bird and 67th Ave. This place used to be a Latin America but has changed hands/names a few times. however, the croquetas, and most of the staff, have never changed! important to note- i prefer a crispier exterior and the creamy ham filling. Chicken/cheese croqueta lovers have raved about Luis Galindo's. -had my first frita in a looong time at the new Rey location by the FIU campus and they tasted just as great as i remembered! good to see that expansion doesn't always equate to loss of flavor! -the original palacio de los jugos on red rd and flagler still serves up some pretty good/cheap dishes.. but i've avoided it lately because i got swarmed by soo many mosquitoes the last few times!! i imagine its better now in the "winter" Fri Feb 13 09:51:46 -0800 2009 714499 223123 Marsjt 1 4426957 La familia went to Puerto Sagua tonight mostly for the vibe and history but found the food pretty damn good. La Charnega had a whole red snapper fried, Flaquito had the bistec de palomilla with all the fixins and I had tamal de casuela con cerdo... chunks of pork in a corn meal gravy, abuela comfort food sort of dish. Atmosphere was great and reminds one that actual neighborhoods exist despite tourist economy. I wonder how many hipster kids have wondered into this place with a Che shirt on and complained later about the lousy service? Ha! Tue Feb 17 18:24:57 -0800 2009 714499 73175 Flaco 1 4473825 Versailles - based on the really helpful recommendations of our very nearby (at our elbows, literally) and friendly fellow diners at Michael’s the night before, we decided to try old school, Little Havana fare for lunch on Saturday. It was fun to visit the area and see the institution, but the food was pretty average (at best). We enjoyed the black beans and the (really big in spite of being “regular” size) Cuban sandwich, but the Criollo platter was disappointing – just lots of meat, fat, and rice without much discernable flavor from one component to the next. The service was kind of retro-cranky like we anticipated. No regrets, but no need to repeat this experience. Wed Mar 04 14:31:01 -0800 2009 714499 10399 rlh 1 4600772 I am Puerto Rican, so I am obviously no Cuban food expert, but I do enjoy it and had never been happy with places in Miami until a Cuban friend introduced me to Palacio de los Jugos, the one on Flagler and 57th Av. SUPER casual and cheap, love the place! The coconut and papaya juices are great. I was also impressed with Enriquetta's Chicken Sandwich on a recent visit.... Versailles, Carreta, Puerto Sagua, Sergio's and Little Havana are all ok but I prefer to drive to Palacio.... Thu Apr 16 07:22:00 -0700 2009 714499 79316 yomyb 2 4601010 Ironically, when I made my above post, I debated mentioning Palacios. This is a quick casual lunch location in a produce market with different areas from which to choose food cafeteria style. Pork is consistently good, you can sip coco-frio (cold coconut juice in the coconut) among other juices and milkshakes, and it is a bit of an experience just going there (patience though, people can be jostly and inconsiderate). Also, for an entertaining sight, go there early Christmas eve and witness an unending parade of 18 wheelers unloading lechones and being bought up just as quickly. Thu Apr 16 08:38:42 -0700 2009 4600772 124704 Icantread 1 4611006 I'm curious if anyone has tried Bella Cuba on Washington near Lincoln? It's a chain from Ireland, according to the website, but the pictures seem to show it as a classier Cuban restaurant and the reviews seem to be relatively good. Mon Apr 20 08:05:44 -0700 2009 714499 101012 mialebven 2 4612335 I haven't seen anyone mention "Havana Harry's" Cuban Restaurant on S.W. 42nd Ave. just south of Bird Road. The tops in my book. I have tried many others over my 50 years in Miami. Their "Vaca Frita" is excellent! Walt Mon Apr 20 13:43:07 -0700 2009 4611006 284668 waltman 3 4619949 And they have, by far, the best flan in the universe ;) LOL Wed Apr 22 18:10:21 -0700 2009 4612335 79316 yomyb 2 4612433 Mia> I like Bella Cuba. The go-to list for Cuban food on South Beach is not so hot. Puerto Sagua is pretty grungy-to-partlymicey. Las Olas is strictly a sammie spot and David's on Meridian is my only other option in a pinch. Do you have any other Cuban restos in the 33139? AG Mon Apr 20 14:07:15 -0700 2009 4611006 13541 advisor_Girl 1 4613381 If you're looking for perhaps one of the best Pan Con Lechones en Miami you must check out Yiya's Bakery. Not only does Yiya accomplish the perfect balance between the mojito sauce and onions but the bread is pressed and toasty. Check out the great article The Miami Herald just wrote about them http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/restaurants/top-dining-story/story/966179.html www.burgersforbrunch.com Mon Apr 20 19:11:17 -0700 2009 714499 284754 burgersforbrunch 2 4613454 I had a good pan con lechon from them when they had a booth set up at the Upper East Side Green Market last season, before they'd opened the bakery. I popped into the bakery a couple months ago when they'd first opened, but they didn't seem to have their act together yet. Hope they're finding their rhythm. Mon Apr 20 19:35:40 -0700 2009 4613381 35525 Frodnesor 3 4613990 I tried their baked goods both before and after, and honestly I thought the pastelitos were made by two completely different bakeries. Tue Apr 21 05:42:48 -0700 2009 4613454 124704 Icantread 1 4693223 Best Cuban in town has to be La Rosa. It's close to the airport. It's a bit pricier than the others and fancier (in a cheesy kinda way). But the food is great (you can even have the fish). Morros are always tasty and the maduros are consistently the sweetest. Mon May 18 05:20:16 -0700 2009 714499 203936 MMRL26 1 5072876 Is Luis Galindo's Latin American still open? Thu Oct 01 12:58:57 -0700 2009 714499 48389 racer x 2 5075168 Galindo's on 57th and SW 8th Street is still open. Fri Oct 02 13:45:30 -0700 2009 5072876 226492 BurgerBeast