Cuban Near the Miami Airport

[rHairing]

Hey Hounds,

A friend of mine has a 4 hour layover at Miami International. I really think that between customs and having to get in an out of security there will not be time but is there a good cuban restaurant within a short cab drive of the airport?

thanks!

[karmalaw]

Both La Carreta and Versailles have restaurants IN the airport.. no need to head out if time is short.

http://www.miami-airport.com/html/res...

Neither is the full-on total experience, but both suffice when you're there... with La Carreta being the larger/better menu at the Airport.

There are also other cuban cafes in the airport, including a Bongos.

There is some pretty decent cuban food in the gas station cafe on Lejeune Road right across from the Airport.. and there's a decent cuban restaurant in the shopping center at NW 37th Avenue and NW 7th Street that is VERY CLOSE to the airport.

[curioussheridan]

La Caretta is still alive and kicking at MIA. Had great picadillo with Spanish rice and plantains for $7.25. Good soth American wine and many other yummy dishes available near the American Airlines flights on D.

[Mild Bill]

It is, and it's always surprisingly good....

I know this is an old thread, but since it's bumped I'll add that if 'I' had a 4 hour layover in Miami ----- 5 minutes away is a destination spot that's worth driving hours for...

El Palacio de los Jugos on Flagler...
A foodie experience / wonderland...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcK1C2...

[Frodnesor]

Here's a few other threads with options near the airport including Cuban, some with input as to how much time is needed to get in and out of MIA ->

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/480218
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/423524
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/487354

Note there is a La Carreta in the airport.

[jmdhsmiami]

True, didn't remember that, but if you have 4 hours it might be fun exploring Calle Ocho.

[jmdhsmiami]

La Carreta is a standard issue when it comes to Cuban food. You should be able to get a cab ride to legendary 8th St (Calle Ocho) and head to Versailles. That is ground zero for the cuban community and anytime there is major news from home in Cuba the news cameras always head to Versailles and politicians always walk thru there to drum up support. Are they the best in Miami, that is up for debate I am sure, if this is a first time cuban experience those are the two places to head to. Also, 4 hours should be enough time, it all depends on what time of day the layover is and when your friend is going to be hitting our AM/PM rush hour times.

Versailles Restaurant | [phone]
3555 S.W. 8th Street, Miami, FL

La Carreta
[phone]
Little Havana
3632 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33135

you may get some input from people who know of really off the path places that are lesser known. Enjoy!