Las Olas Cafe

If there is one thing that is for certain when you visit Miami Beach, South Beach, or any place filled with tourists, there will lots of overpricing and mediocrity.  I mean, when was a restaurant that had someone outside trying to lure people in ever good?  If you have been to the Lincoln Road Promenade, you'll know what I mean.  However, if you go outside of these areas and into the quiet and quaint residential areas, there are some down-to-earth and good places to eat, like Las Olas Cafe.

Situated about 4 blocks from the beach, this hole in the wall is situated in a more residential and quiet area.  It's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is very popular with the locals.  I came here for lunch.

There are two places you can order from: an outside counter where most people get a cafecito or Cuban coffee with milk served in little cups and some empanadas or the inside counter next to the decent buffet table of Cuban favorites.  For lunch, you get a choice of meats, rice, and sides.  There are lechon asado (roast pork), pollo asado (roasted chicken), beef, three different styles of rice, beans, steamed vegetables, plantains, and yucca to choose from.

I got a nice box with white rice, lechon, plantains, and yucca.  The Caribbean version of meat and potatoes.  All of this cost only $10 after tax.  A really great deal considering the amount of food you get.  I mean you should have seen the look of the lechon on the counter.  It was just so enticing.  Whole hunks of rib meat ripped off the bone and skin and soaked in its own juices.  The yucca is very interesting.  It is cooked with onions and lots of butter.  This combination would work since yucca is like potatoes but starchier.

They also have the ubiquitous Cuban sandwich, which I believe is about $6.  The sandwiches are cut lengthwise.  It doesn’t seem to make sense at first.  But by cutting it so, it is not as difficult to bite down on the sandwich.  Looking back as I write this, I regret not having gotten this.  Maybe I should have came here with a group of people.

Since most of the clientele spoke Spanish, I presumed that they wouldn’t speak English that well.  And so I ordered in Spanish, which for me was not a problem at all.  But then, something strange happened; they spoke to me in English.  This has happened on a few occasions.  I guess it was that I said different words for some of the food items.  For instance, I said puerco instead of lechon and plátanos instead of maduros. Ultimately, it might just be that I didn’t look remotely Hispanic and thus they default to speaking English.  I mean for me, I enjoy the authentic experience and want to blend into it. 

Regardless, I really enjoyed the meal on a budget.  Next time, I will try the sandwiches.  I mean, one should that when in Miami.  But since it's Miami, there will be a next time.

A vacation here can be pretty expensive, especially if you want to dabble in the nightlife.  But being frugal isn't the only reason to come here.  The food and atmosphere is honest, authentic, and homey.  Unless you in South Florida, where else can you get Cuban food?  I mean, I'm sure there's a steakhouse, sushi bar, and Italian restaurant in your neighborhood.  So why not venture into something unique?   

644 6th St
Miami Beach, FL 33139