We were talking about not having a place to get a Cuban sandwich or even Cuban coffee and pastries in the Grove, but we actually do have something. It's right across US1 on 17th Avenue -- El Carajo, the tapas and wine place at 2465 SW 17 Avenue. They have an incredible variety of Cuban pastries and the sandwiches are passable if you are in the mood. You can't compare their Media Noches or their Cuban Sandwiches to El Rey de las Fritas or Sergio's, at El Carajo they heat it up as an afterthought and it's not all the way heated through, but it's better than nothing if you want to stay in the area.
And the Shell Station at 27th Avenue does a very decent job of preparing the sandwiches. I forgot about them. They are actually better than El Carajo if you get a patient person behind the counter.
Right down the block from El Carajo is Pekin Chinese Restaurant, where you can get delicious Chinese food. It's worth the trip, but it's really not a trip for those living in the North Grove. Pekin is at 2293 SW 17 Avenue.
But even if it is a little trip, my fortune cookie from Pekin said it best: "Traveling more often is important for your health and happiness." So be it.
Have you tried El Rinconcito El Chele (Bird & 38th) on your quest for local Cuban?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.yelp.com/biz/el-rinconcito-el-chele-miami
Las Culebrinas is in the Grove too.
ReplyDeleteWake up and go to Mary's on 27th. for craps sake! The place has been there for years and it's 24 hrs. The sandwiches are awesome, and guess what,.it's in the 33133!! Not everything has to be on f***ing Commodore Plaza!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Hector. I'm a major Mary's Coin Laundry (and Cuban coffee window) fan. Their cafe con leche is the best in town, the medianoches are excellent, pastelitos con guava y queso to die for, and they have my personal favorite desert, arroz con leche.
ReplyDeleteAlso not to be forgotten, Las Culebrinas, next to Berries, is a bit more upscale and has EXCELLENT food.
Y no puedes olvidar El Carajo si quieres tapas, pero eso es comida espanola, no cubana.
Finally, on the tapas front with affordable wine to boot ... Happy Wine on Bird where Ideas used to be. You can go there and buy great wine at great prices and eat tapas, too.