Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant — Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale

But first…a Mojito!

Our Lyft driver recommended Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant while my cousin and I were vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale. We made reservations and set out for an adventure in Cuban cuisine! The restaurant was immaculate, not only in cleanliness, but also in decor. Our server seated us immediately. When we mentioned we wanted to try a Mojioto, she suggested their summer mojito. The drinks were works of art delivered in beautiful glassware adorned with fresh mint. The first taste was incredible, so smooth, tropical and not overly boozy, despite the rum AND tequila; not too sweet, but sweet enough, a vacation for your tastebuds for sure. Every detail down to the ice cubes seemed to be expertly thought out. You really wanted to sip and savor this drink, despite it being delicious enough to gulp.

With help from our server we decided on an appetizer sampler to start, wanting to experience as many different options as possible. Combination Cubana was presented on a gorgeous green platter resembling a large palm leaf. Each item popped with vibrant color and a unique presentation. The mariquitas- long curled fried plantain chips for dipping in an incredible black bean salsa. If you think you don’t like black bean salsa, let me assure you, you’re wrong. My cousin kept asking how does this not even taste like beans!? Also on the platter was a tiny, little unassuming condiment in a black ramekin. It appeared to be finely diced onion in oil. A first little spoonful just to decide what the heck it was and we were hooked! Oh it was onion alright and oil, but it was also lovingly swimming in garlic with a tiny bit of salt. Why is this not sold in stores? My cousin exclaimed it could literally even go on just a hot dog. It was the most delicious little flavor explosion that we smeared on many appetizer items. We immensely enjoyed the Croquetas de jamon that were like a mozzarella cheese stick’s sophisticated cousin, the Picadillo empanadas were a flavorful spiced meat in a fried dumpling. And the Fiesta tostones made me think of spicy crispy Cuban pizza bites.

After almost devouring the entire sampler, our entrees were delivered. I decided on Vaca Frita and I am not embarrassed to admit I still daydream about that meal to this day. The lovely sounding name, the flavor, the spices, the textures, and the rustic beauty of a plate, so simple, but complex in flavor at the same time. The rice was sticky like Jasmine rice, full of texture and flavor, not mushy. The beans had a long simmered taste with subtle spices and minimal heat, balanced and comforting. The rice and beans could have made a delicious meal in their own right. I’m not sure if you’re supposed to mix them together, but that’s what I did and I’m not sorry. There were three tasty sweet fried plantains I greedily devoured right off the bat, the texture chewy and sweet and sticky was addictive.

Then drum roll please...the meat, Vaca Frita- which I found out later means fried cow was a unique flavor combination of gentle and warm spices. The texture of the shredded meat made you think of slow simmered pot roast or pulled beef bbq. Each bite was flavorful and juicy and just when your mouth thought it had been surprised enough, there were fried, crispy bits on the ends and throughout. A wonderful contrast in texture and flavor. I have since scoured the internet for recipes so that I can attempt to recreate something I hope is half as delicious.

Although we literally had zero room left, we decided to order dessert to take back to our hotel. Those styrofoam containers set empty and lonely, never making it back to the hotel. The flan was served on a lovely flowered plate drizzled in a delectable caramel sauce. Sweet, but not too sweet, soft, sumptuous, decadent and sexy, a cross between a pudding and cheesecake. Then the Tres Leches, a subtly spiced sponge cake soaked in what else, but 3 milks, delightful, bite after bite until it was gone.

We left Padrino’s thoroughly satisfied and delighted. A truly special experience that I highly...

As a customer with a service dog, I was concerned by my experience at Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale on September 26, 2024. Upon entering the restaurant, I was informed by the staff that my service dog was not permitted inside, which conflicts with my understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Service animals should generally be allowed to accompany individuals in public areas of restaurants. I was directed to sit outside, despite the hot Florida weather, which reached 88°F that day, creating potentially unsafe conditions for my service dog.

When I requested water for my service dog, the server, Alexis, stated that he could not provide it, explaining that doing so could result in disciplinary action. He also mentioned something about the owners not liking dogs, though I cannot verify whether this reflects the official policy of the restaurant.

To clarify the situation, I spoke with Delia, the manager on duty. Unfortunately, my conversation with her did not provide a resolution. Instead, I was met with what I perceived as a dismissive and condescending tone.

My understanding of ADA guidelines leads me to believe that service animals should not be restricted in the manner described by the restaurant’s policy, which left me concerned.

Afterward, I reached out to Cara, a manager at Padrino’s Plantation branch, as I had been informed that the owners might be present there. Cara reiterated that service animals were not allowed inside and were only permitted outside. This reinforced my concern that this policy may be applied across multiple Padrino’s locations.

Subsequently, I received a call from Denise, the General Manager, who acknowledged my concerns but did not provide any suggestions on how the restaurant could improve or ensure ADA compliance moving forward. I also contacted Laura Padrino, one of the owners, but to date, I have not received any confirmation that corrective action will be taken.

I believe it is essential that businesses understand their obligations under the ADA and ensure their policies align with federal law to avoid any misunderstandings or violations.

I hope Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant takes this opportunity to review their practices and provide their staff with proper training on ADA requirements, ensuring equal access for all customers, including those with...

My boyfriend and I decided to try this new Cuban place this evening after the boat show. The staff was kind and welcome to us in. The atmosphere was nice with nice music playing. As we look through our menus we were brought out a plate of sliced garlic toast to munch on while we waited for our food to come.  I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and my boyfriend ordered Lechon Asado. (Slow roasted pork). The Cuban sandwich was okay but was a little bit lacking.  My boyfriend's meal was very good but next time he would probably order rice and black separate with his meal as opposed to "arroz moros", mixed together the traditional way.

PROS: -Management came around to every single table to check to make sure the meals were up to customer satisfaction. -Our waiter was very attentive, always made sure our water glasses were full without having to ask & we had straws (plastic) sitting on the table waiting for us when our waters came. The Yucca was hands down worth going back to this restaurant again and again for! It was soft and tender tasted kind of garlicky / buttery or something. We had never tried this before but absolutely loved it. The plantains were also cooked perfect, caramelized & tender. Delicious!

CONS: The Cuban sandwich left a little to be desired as it had tiny little pickles on it that you could barely taste with the thickness of the bread I also think these are supposed to have mustard on it, which it did not appear to have. I believe the bread should have been a little more toasty and I could have asked for some more pickles if I had thought about it.  It was still a good sandwich but definitely not the best Cuban I've ever had and the Yucca My boyfriend had definitely made up for it that I would come back.

I wish they would get coasters for our glasses of water as we just had a really thin paper napkin and the glasses kept getting stuck to it and it was a wet mess on the table. Overall, I would still highly recommend this restaurant and I would eat here again, just  probably wouldn't...