Miami’s Must-Try Cuban Restaurants

Foodies on the prowl for Miami’s best Cuban must pay a visit to El Palacio de Los Jugos, a Cuban institution with multiple locations throughout the city. While all El Palacio’s outposts are generally raved about, check out the one on Flagler Street and 57th Avenue for an unforgettable – and delectable – experience. Only caveat? Bring a Hulk-sized appetite.

More outdoor marketplace than sit-down restaurant, El Palacio features a number of hot-food counters with traditional Cuban grub that runs the gamut from fresh juices like papaya and guava (in fact, El Palacio de Los Jugos translates to “Juice Palace”) to ropa vieja, shredded beef stewed in tomatoes and spices, and perhaps El Palacio’s most popular offering, chicharrones, crispy fried pork rinds.

Head bravely to one of the prepared food counters and order a plato, which is actually a container filled with a solid two pounds of rice, beans, plantains and the entree of your choice (we couldn’t get enough shredded pork or ropa vieja). Head to one of the outdoor tables and watch the world go by as you stuff yourself to bursting. Wash that goodness down with a fresh, thick mango juice, and you’ll be sated for many hours to come.