It always cracks me up when someone tells me they’ve just “discovered” El Caribe Cafe Restaurant. Discovered? My dude, this place has been around since 1979! That’s over four decades of serving up some of Miami’s best Cuban comfort food.
I’ve been eating at Caribe for easily more than 30 years. Back in the 1980s, when my dad had a Wise Potato Chip route, he supplied them with potato sticks for their Pan con Bistec sandwiches. Yeah, that was part of my dad’s daily hustle and my summer job.
Fast forward to 2005, Juan Jose Alvarado took over the original Caribe Cafe, and under his leadership, it’s grown into six-locations. While the original Caribe had more of that old-school, divey charm, the newer spots have a cleaner, more polished feel. But don’t worry, they haven’t lost their Cuban soul.
I feel that Juan’s time working at Sergio’s might have something to do with the evolution of Caribe. And speaking of Sergio’s, let’s talk croquetas—because Caribe’s are freakin’ tasty. He’s perfected a recipe that puts them in the conversation for the best croquetas in South Florida.
Caribe’s menu is packed with all the Cuban comfort food classics you could ever want. The Palomilla Especial Caribe is a must-try; if you’re a sandwich person, the Cubano Especial won’t disappoint.
But let me be clear—I’m a Medianoche guy through and through. While a standard Cuban sandwich is great, something about the Medianoche‘s sweet bread elevates the whole experience. And at Caribe, their Medianoche is even bigger than the regular Cuban, so you’re getting a serious sandwich.
Another go-to of mine? The Cuban Milanesa. Whether you go steak or chicken, you’re in for a treat. They pound the meat thin, bread it, and pan-fry it perfectly. Then they layer on ham and thick slices of Swiss cheese, which gets all melty and gooey. But they don’t stop there—oh no, they finish it with a sprinkle of parmesan, adding an extra hit of richness. That’s next-level indulgence.
Breakfast Time at El Caribe
Now, let’s talk breakfast. Caribe’s got you covered if you’re looking for a solid way to start your day. Marcela recently had their eggs with crispy bacon and house potatoes, which also come with a café con leche and tostadas. A classic Cuban breakfast done right.
As for me, I stick to my usual: Pan con Tortilla with onions and ham. The cheese was optional, but you know I went with Swiss. And because I like to live dangerously, I added mayo. The result? A gloriously messy, ooey, gooey, ugly-but-delicious sandwich.
What’s For Dessert?
So, what do you do for dessert? Well, in a proper Cuban comfort food spot, there’s only one right answer: flan and cafecito. That’s the only way to end your meal, and if you disagree, we might have to have words.
Beyond the food, Caribe has that unmistakable Cuban restaurant vibe—bustling, warm, and always full of life. And with multiple locations across Miami, you’ve got plenty of options. But if you ask me, the Hialeah location is the one you need to hit up.
So, if you’re still “discovering” Caribe Cafe, let me welcome you to the party—better late than never. Now get yourself a Medianoche and a croqueta, and thank me later.
| Restaurant | Address | Part of Town |
|---|---|---|
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 3953 NW 7th Street | Flagami |
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 8228 W Flagler Street | Miami |
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 285 NW 27th Avenue | Little Havana |
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 2660 SW 137 Avenue | West Kendall |
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 9712 SW 24 Street | Westchester |
| Caribe Cafe Restaurant | 1750 West 68th Street | Hialeah |
Website – https://www.caribecaferestaurant.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cariberestaurant
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/caribe27ave
Monday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Tuesday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Wednesday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Thursday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Friday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Saturday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 6:00 am – 12:00 am
