The Big Cheese

A popular hangout for college students and families, the Big Cheese is a great Italian restaurant in the South Miami area.  This is a very, very busy restaurant and there's usually a small, manageable wait to be seated, but definitely worth waiting for.

They have delicious garlic bread. Their salads are very good and the pizza is fabulous.  They also have delicious entrees and take out is always an option.

Try them out, and you won't be disappointed!!!

Casa Larios

The ever-popular Casa Larios has two locations.  One is in South Miami and the other is near Mall of the Americas on West Flagler Street.  Rumor has it that Gloria and Emilio Estefan used to dine at the original Casa Larios off of Flagler (they've moved from their original locale).  They loved their food so much they went into business with them and opened Larios on the Beach close to 20 years ago.  I can't personally confirm that story but it was a very strong rumor, so I tend to believe it's true.

Casa Larios is an upscale Cuban restaurant.  The South Miami location has a full bar, extensive wine list and live entertainment on weekends.  They are very accommodating and don't take offense to requests for substitutions, etc.  They offer a large selection of appetizers, soups, salads, meat, steak, chicken or seafood entrees, sandwiches, and desserts.  Additionally they are open for breakfast and can accommodate large groups.

One of my favorite appetizers is the Tostones Rellenos ( fried plantain stuffed with shrimp enchilado).  Mouthwatering!!!!

Bongos for Bongos Cuban Cafe!

Bongos for Bongos Cuban Cafe!


With locations in Downtown Disney Orlando, South Miami Beach, and Downtown Miami right next to the American Airlines Arena (AAA), Bongos Cuban Cafe is a favorite family spot. Owned by Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Bongos offers affordable traditional Cuban dishes in a salsa and fun environment. We went to the Miami location and as soon as you approach it from the outside, you can see a large lighted Pineapple sitting on top and along the Miami skyline.  This is a signnature design element for all of their locations.

As soon as you walk in, you can't help but hear the music and see actual bongos line the bar calling out to all patrons to bang on them. There is no one that doesn't walk by without banging on the bongos including the kids. The restaurant is two levels with a very large dance floor. We sat down and ate our favorites: bistec empanizado, vaca frita, chicken nuggets, white rice, black beans, and plantains. For dessert, we have flan, tres leches, and Cuban espresso.  

    

On Friday and Saturday nights at around 10 p.m., they clear the tables from the dance floor, pump up the music, and it becomes a salsa nightclub. With the kids, it's hard to stick around, but on other occassions we have been able to enjoy a meal and then some dancing. There is also a large outdoor terrace overlooking the water and the Port of Miami where the cruise ships line up each weekend.

If you want to have an affordable meal in a typical Miami setting, Bongos Cuban Cafe is just for you.