Mi Apa Latin Cafe — Restaurant in Alachua

I normally purchase my lunch at the Mi Apa Alachua, but have noticed that in the past weeks they have been serving mediocre food. I lived in Hialeah, FL most of my life, which is the center of real Cuban food in Miami and the difference between Mi Apa and Cuban food down there is day and night when comparing to the meals I have recently purchased. In the past two weeks I purchased Carne con Papas. As you will see in in the pictures both plates purchased about two weeks apart only came with EXACTLY 2 and a half chunks of meat, which you can compare the size of each chunk to mi finger on one pic and to the fork on the other. If your from Miami you know what the same plate would have, double if not triple the meat and enough to feed two people, but I'm not asking them to serve for 2but enough meat for one person not a kids meal. I finished the meat before eating half of the rise. That is a shame as I consider this a ripoff to the customer. They serve more papas (potatoes) and plantain than the meat. The plate should be called Potatoes and Rice ONLY. Hope they read this review and start being fair with their clients. I will start posting reviews of every plate I buy. All I ask is fairness for what you pay and not to be cheap to what they serve.

So this is my second review. After my review about 3 years ago, management seems to have addressed the situation with food portions and started serving more food/meat, well as it pertains to the times I purchased take out. This past week I stopped by and bought the same plate as my original review and well again they started serving about 4 quarters sized meat. You get more meat in a Kids Chichen nugget meal at McDonalds than what I had on my plate. Judge...

As someone born and raised in Miami, I’ve had the privilege of enjoying authentic Cuban food for decades, and MiApa Latin Café truly takes me back to those cherished days. From the first bite, I’m transported to my childhood, filled with vibrant flavors and happy memories of home.

When I moved to the area nine years ago, I was thrilled to find not just one, but THREE MiApa locations nearby—including one less than 10 miles from home. Ever since, we’ve been loyal customers, and MiApa has never disappointed us. On the rare occasion something wasn’t as expected, the staff handled it immediately with professionalism and care.

Ordering is always a breeze—whether online, for pick-up, delivery, or dining in. We’ve tried all the options, and every experience has been seamless.

Our family favorites include the Picadillo Empanadas (a must-have every time!) and the Flan, which is absolutely perfect. The Cuban and MediaNoche sandwiches are always flavorful and satisfying, just like the ones I grew up with in Miami.

On my most recent visit, I tried the Plato Vegetariano, and while it was fantastic overall, I’d recommend a sprinkle of salt on the Tostones and packing the Cuban Salad separately for takeout to keep the lettuce crisp. Even with that small note, it was still a delicious meal!

MiApa is a local gem, offering consistent, authentic Cuban flavors with care and attention to detail. Everything we’ve ordered has been without regret. If you’re looking for food rich in culture and flavor & welcoming environment, MiApa is the place to go!...

I came in during a slow time and my small and simple order of 2 drinks was forgotten and I was ignored while patiently waiting and not once bothering the staff. I waited for 20 minutes for a milkshake and a juice while seeing people who came after me helped and my smoothie sitting for 15 minutes after being made while the several staff members were walking around and trying to find things to do or checking on guests. I was standing and made eye contact but no one asked me anything and the girl who took my order apparently completely disregarded and forgot about me... Been going to Gainesville location and super busy but the customer service is exceptional. Very sad experience at Alachua location which was not busy at all and only hope employees could be trained and be more attentive to guests who have been waiting patiently and especially when not busy or it's just a drink for the order

I don't want to go back to mi apa now. The employees smiles and hard work make my day and getting food here is the highlight. Hope this location makes it right

Edit. (Changed from 1 to 4 stars) The district manager called me and offered her apologies and made it right. It was a bad experience but how it was handled after made all the different and I will give them another chance and will remain a loyal customer hopefully for a long time. Thank you...