El Rinconcito de Santa Barbara Restaurant — Restaurant in Hialeah

Went based in the reviews, however the experience was not what expected. I am born and raised in PR, just moved to FL and flavor was way off from authentic Puertorrican food. I want to think that staff and chef was changed or that because it was a Thursday night the right chef was off. However it was not just about the food, but also the service, I wouldn't say it was terrible, but certainly there's an area of improvement. Service was slow, even though there was enough staff to take care of the 5 tables at the moment. It was sort of an embarrassment as I took an Italian friend (whom happens to be a chef) with me to show off the Puertorrican flavor and service, which was lacking. We ordered pasteles, alcapurrias and the sampler. This was ok taking in consideration that they need to be made ahead of time, to this I can give a 3 out of 5, why? It was overcooked, there for it dried out. The kitchen was in no rush with only 2 tables at that time. Entree was Mofongo with ajillo fish and a Mar y Tierra. For the price we were not expecting the best quality of meat or fish, however taste and cooking has nothing to do with this. Pescado al ajillo is not a garlic soup, is natural butter with garlic and a hint of salt. My fish was swimming in a broth that had a spoon of margarine and powdered garlic. Not a single sign of the minced garlic in this dish, beyond the fact that the fish was overcooked and was rubbery, hard and tasted like frozen food. Mofongo was lacking of moisture, platanos once again overcooked and not enough oil, butter or broth to make it soft. El caldo... Is the first time in my entire life I see that the add noodles to el caldo for the mofongo, plus it was full of sazón that it looked orange. Where was the sofrito in el caldo I don't know, but in it wasn't. Mar y Tierra, keeping it simple... Just a over cooked, dry lobster with an extremely Well done steak. Let's have dessert... Cuatro leches and a flan de coco, both terrible. Flan had a full dollop of some artificial coconut cream that made the flan extremely sweet. Cuatro leches was just something sweet with lack of flavor. I believe that people whom had reviewed this place before have poor exposure to authentic...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Cuban Puerto Rican restaurant, and I must say it was a culinary experience to remember. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and inviting ambiance set the stage for what turned out to be a delightful evening.

The standout feature of this establishment was undoubtedly the impeccable service. The staff was not only friendly and attentive but also genuinely passionate about ensuring a memorable dining experience. Their recommendations were spot-on, adding a personal touch that elevated the overall enjoyment.

Now, let's talk about the stars of the show – the mofongo and fried pork dish. The mofongo, a traditional Puerto Rican delicacy, was a flavor explosion. The plantains were perfectly mashed, and the accompanying garlic and pork brought out a rich, savory taste that left me craving for more.

The fried pork dish was a true homage to Cuban culinary prowess. The meat was succulent with a crispy exterior, showcasing the chef's skill in achieving the perfect balance of textures. The seasoning was exquisite, leaving a lingering taste that kept me savoring each bite.

Beyond the food, the restaurant's commitment to authenticity was evident. The decor transported me to the vibrant streets of Havana and San Juan, creating an immersive experience that complemented the culinary journey.

In conclusion, this Cuban Puerto Rican gem is not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of flavors, cultures, and exceptional service. Whether you're a food enthusiast or someone looking for a memorable dining experience, this establishment undoubtedly deserves a spot on your must-visit list. I left with a satisfied palate, a full stomach, and a newfound appreciation for the artistry of Cuban and Puerto...

Let's begin...4.5⭐️ After spending a good portion of the day at the food market in Hollywood for my wife's birthday, we headed to El Rinconcito to finish the day before heading back for a 2 hr drive back home. Straight to the point... we ordered the Bandeja Boricua, which is for 2-3 people and it was good. The mofongo was not oily but still moist with a bunch of chicharron. Alcapurrias, carne frita, sorullos, pionono, Arroz con gandules y pastel. The pionono was alittle oily but had good flavor. The sorullos were small but good. Pastel was good too though I had to add alittle salt - rather that than salty 😉 Also the jibaro sandwich was good. The tripleta was good but the pork tasted alittle salty. The trifongo tasted good but I thought it was a tad smaller than the regular mofongo. The Guanabana shake was good. We had some friends with us and they enjoyed the food as well. The service was great and atmosphere was great as well. They sang and danced a birthday celebration music for the wifey. We brought our own cake and shared with the staff, as they were all great.

When we are visiting again, we're making this place a must stop for some good Puerto Rican/Cuban food....