Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant — Restaurant in Hallandale Beach

We enjoyed coming to this place for years, as the food has always been fresh and consistently good. This evening around 9:30 PM, my wife and I stopped by for dinner with her service dog. As usual, I prefer to sit outside to minimize any unnecessary attention toward the service animal. There was one available table outdoors, and we requested to be seated there. Although it was late, the weather was still warm, and I attempted to offer the service dog some water. Please note that I always carry my own water and bowl specifically for this purpose. However, the server informed us that, according to the restaurant’s policy, we were not allowed to provide water to the service dog. Naturally, we asked to speak with the manager. When she arrived, we calmly explained — as we’ve had to do many times across the country — that this was not a pet, but a trained service animal protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unfortunately, the manager refused to listen and reiterated that, despite the heat and the fact that I was using my own bowl and water, we were not permitted to give the dog any water on the premises. At that point, we chose to leave. I want to make it clear that I am not a so-called “professional victim,” nor someone who seeks out legal action over minor misunderstandings. However, this situation was simply unacceptable. The dismissive attitude and visible smirk from the manager only added insult to injury. I’ve already scheduled a meeting with my attorney for Monday and plan to proceed with legal action shortly thereafter. I feel bad for the owners, but this level of ignorance and disregard for federal law cannot go...

I’ll start by stating I’m not an expert in Cuban food, but I know it’s a favorite when done well. For me, I’ll make a point to come back to Padrinos!

So why the four star rating you ask? Our waiter was very nice, but everything moved exceedingly slow. He was managing quiete a lot of tables, but it took a while to get drinks and to order.

But the food- worth waiting for. I started with the Cuban espresso martini and that cocktail had me ready to go more than a regular coffee! They poor it from a coffee pot that would make you think it’s going to be hot, but it’s cold! My coworkers got Mojitos and they seemed to be pretty happy with their choice, considering they ordered another round.

We started with the the appetizer platter and an order of ceviche. The ceviche was good, but was a little skimpy on the fish. The platter gave you a little taste of everything, which I loved. The plantain chips were so fresh and light, and I’m a sucker for a great empanada. The two starters were the perfect amount to hold us over for a while.

For the main course, I ordered the slow cooked pork dish (third from the bottom on the menu). Holy cow it was amazing! It was so soft and tender, I almost thought they had sealed it out for chicken. And I haven’t had flavor that good in any protein in a long time. I could get a container of that and eat it everyday. It came with Yuca that was well seasoned and rice. I HIGHLY recommend this dish.

One of my coworkers got the seafood stew and was equally as...

A Memorable Birthday Celebration at Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine

Last night, I celebrated my birthday at Padrino’s Cuban Cuisine in Hallandale, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Surrounded by family and friends, the restaurant’s warm ambiance set the perfect tone for a joyous occasion. From the moment we arrived, the staff welcomed us with genuine smiles and made us feel right at home. Their attentive service stood out; every detail was taken care of, ensuring our group was comfortable and happy throughout the evening.

The food was exceptional, a true celebration of authentic Cuban flavors. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. Highlights included the perfectly seasoned ropa vieja, the tender and flavorful lechón asado, and the mouthwatering maduros that were sweet and caramelized to perfection. The generous portions ensured no one left hungry, and the variety on the menu allowed everyone to find something they loved.

To top it all off, the dessert selection was divine. Their tres leches cake was the perfect birthday treat, rich, moist, and just sweet enough.

Padrino’s provided not just a meal but an experience. The combination of their kind attention and high-quality food made my birthday celebration truly special. I highly recommend this gem to anyone seeking a welcoming atmosphere and incredible...