Lugo's Grill — Restaurant in Dunnellon

Being new to the area, we decided to go exploring for somewhere to eat. We could have gone to any number of the fast food places drove past, but I like to eat at the mom and pop places. You just never know when you'll find that little gem of a place. Well, tonight was the night for that. Lugo's is a Cuban restaurant located just off one of the main strips in Dunnellon. We started with the tostados, think I'm spelling that right, that had meat, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro on a crispy and flaky shell. So good, and a very generous portion. You get 4. Next were the entrees. My GF had one of the specials listed on the chalkboard (I'll come back to this) which consisted of a tamale, an empenada, and some brown rice. I had the slow cooked pork with the brown rice. Everything was delicious and cooked, in my opinion, with some old school knowledge and care. The only downfalls for this restaurant are for starters, the menu is a simple double-sided piece of paper that does not have all of the dining offerings on it. It says paella, but no prices. You have to read the blackboard for this. The wait staff was great, but that could have been explained a little better. Second is that the restaurant is easy to miss. Aside from the awning with the name on it, and the small open light in the window, I thought it was closed. Parking was in the rear, which I had no idea. Maybe I missed a sign, but we parked across the street which thankfully wasn't an issue. Finally, as you can see in their photos, there is a bar in the back area of the restaurant. This bar has been around, starting in Alabama and then making its way through several establishments before landing at Lugo's. It has a unique history as described by the waitress. It's big and beautiful, only downfall is that it's just for looks. No liquor license. It might be a byob place, but I can't say. When I saw the bar, I actually entertained the idea of having a Mojito, and I seldom drink at all. We will definitely be returning here for more...

Apparently you need to know the cook to get service. We’ve eaten here before and it was always excellent. This time was a nightmare. I won’t ever go back. It’s under new ownership and they don’t care about whether or not you actually get food. We arrived at 6 pm with 5 adults and a 2 year old. We were the only table in the place. We ordered pretty quickly, we all got dinner specials with a kids chicken tenders and fries. 10 minutes later two tables walk in and get their food within 10 minutes. Another two tables walk in and get their dinners shortly thereafter and we still haven’t gotten so much as a single French fry. I understand that some food like a sandwich obviously doesn’t take as long as chicken, but when the fourth table, having arrived 20 minutes after us is getting their chicken specials while we still haven’t gotten anything is unacceptable. At this point the 2 year old is really starting to fuss as he is STARVING having ordered 45 minutes ago. We left and went across the street to the Greek restaurant where we ordered, ate, and had dessert in less time than we had waited at that god forsaken Cuban place. My advice-go Greek. The food we delicious and we ended up having...

I had the best Cuban sandwich that I have ever tasted, and it was thick and huge. I haven’t been to Cuba or Miami but Lugo’s is closer 😁 and it was a great sandwich. The generous amount of meats were seasoned perfectly and served between perfectly pressed flaky and crunchy homemade bread. The pork sandwich, Tostones Rellenos, Jenny’s Special, Pollo Relleno Camarones, and Ropa Vieja were all superb too. All the food coming out of the kitchen looks delicious and generous portions. It is cash only which we are fine with, and they have an ATM machine. I can’t blame them for not wanting to deal with credit card fees. There is a history of the place/bar on the back of the menu worth reading. I only wish they served Yucca fries as a side option with their sandwiches because they would be a unique diversion from French fries. Sides here are French fries, rice and beans or sweet plantains, which are all very good. We made numerous visits recently and tried different entrees which were all delicious. Lali, our server, is wonderful and always makes us...