Coming to Miami for a couple days need some recommendations for food

[yaleforks]

http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&...

this is where we're staying: Motel Blu (7700 Biscayne Blvd). We're looking for recommendations for good, authentic cuban food within a reasonable distance at a reasonable price. Any other local tasty, authentic places to eat would be great. Thanks in advance!

[netmover]

Not exactly sure why you chose to stay there? It's not exactly a place where you can get out and about on foot, unless of course you have a body guard or armour! Alright, maybe it's not that bad anymore, but I still ain't walking around that hood at night!

RED LIGHT in your hotel is a good destination. There is a decent Greek place across the way over there too. A great Brazilian place just east on 79th Street called Boteco. For Cuban you are on the wrong side of the county. Go to Puerto Sagua or Bongo's on South Beach for Cuban. Enriquetta's is a decent lunch place but has a rather limited menu.

[Frodnesor]

I would much sooner go to Enriquetas than to Puerto Sagua or Bongo's (?); but then I would do Cuban for lunch rather than dinner anyway. I do like Anise Taverna across the street quite a bit.

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Puerto Sagua Restaurant
700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

[sobeiam]

Don't go to Puerto Sagua or Bongo's, especially this time of the year - lots of tourists on the Beach and they will packed. Food's not so great either. Same for David's on the Beach as well. Enriqueta's is great for what it does - pressed Cuban sandwhiches, cafecitos, cafe con leche etc. I love their sandwiches. Be prepared it get's busy during lunch. Yi Ya's on 79th is very limited food wise, good for coffee and pastry. The nabe you are in is not known for Cuban food. Not Cuban but to to Red Light since you are already at the hotel and go to Michy's down a short bit on Biscayne. I heard Cafe Toscana is good, right near Michy's. Otherwise, you have to venture a bit from where you are to get Cuban - hope you have wheels, Miami's really spread out. I agree with Frodesnor that Latin Cafe 2000 is just OK.

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Michy's
6927 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33138

Puerto Sagua Restaurant
700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Red Light
7700 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138

Toscana
180 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

[netmover]

Pound for pound Lario's aka Bongos is by far the best Cuban on the Beach! And Puerto Sagua is a close second for sure. They are both always packed and there is a good reason for that! Enriquetta's is a great lunch option even with their limited 3 item + 1 special dujour menu. I do find it rather ho hum in light of their lack of options such as Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, Boliche and countless other classic Cuban dishes.

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Puerto Sagua Restaurant
700 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

[mialebven]

How about a Cuban bakery, if you want Cuban? There's Yiya's on 79th Street near where you're staying, just east of Biscayne Blvd.

[Frodnesor]

Can't think of any Cuban options right around there, but one of my favorites, Enriquetas, is about 50 blocks south down Biscayne Blvd., and a little west on 29th St. Some folks also like Latin Cafe 2000 on Biscayne around 25th St., I've only found it OK.

Right in the hotel is one of the tastiest, most authentic places in town - Red Light. Chef focuses on local produce and seafood and puts out great food at very reasonable prices - menu has a lot of small plates, mostly priced under $10, and everything usually tops out at around $20.

I've put together a map that shows many of the good options both along that stretch of Biscayne and also across the causeway on the Beachside ->
http://www.foodforthoughtmiami.com/20...

I've just noted it needs to be updated, a couple of the places in there have closed.

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Red Light
7700 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33138