Maggie's Place Cuban cafe inc — Restaurant in Lake City

I read other reviews about Maggie's on Tripadvisor and those were right on: this was a lovely little place where both the mother and the daughter work there. Although it is a small venue, there is parking at the back and sides of the restaurant. There is seating for about 20 people at a time.

I ordered the steak sandwich and it did not disappoint: the beef had a great flavor, the Cuban bread was pressed and hot, and there is not a thing I could say needed improving. I also had a large cafe con leche and it was spectacular--not too sweet either.

They have specials every day that would be worth having. I wanted to go there earlier in the week, but it rained quite heavily, and I was trying to convince 2 friends to come with me, but they didn't want to make the trip although I would have driven them from Dowling Park.

If you have any dietary restrictions (like you cannot eat pork), you will be unable to have the red beans, but the black beans and rice would be just fine to have. Otherwise, you can't go wrong stopping here. Just be aware it could be packed when you walk in (like it was when I first arrived) but you will be welcomed and checked on regularly. It's...

This place is rather authentic, no question about that. It's not a sit down restaurant. There's only a couple of tables inside and a few outside. There's no AC inside to speak of. You're not served on a plate. You eat from Styrofoam with plastic utensils. For me, the prices are not realistic. Way, way too high and again, that's my opinion. I ordered ground beef, yellow rice, red beans, and plantains. Pretty much the cheapest thing on the menu. Speaking of the menu, there's no prices on the menu. You have to ask how much food costs. The yellow rice had little to no seasoning. I also ordered a passion fruit drink ($5.00). My wife ordered the same meal except with water and black beans. Our lunch came out to $42.00 with a small tip. Again, ground beef and rice. That aside, Lake City Florida has become an expensive place. The tax on our lunch was 7.5 percent. The food was good and the people were nice, but we won't be back. It's just not all that. We walked by a food truck on the way to Maggie's place and his prices were similar, which I also thought was...

Wow... Maggie's is amazing. Beef empanadas, rice and beans were terrific, and the owner (?) lady even gave us sweet plantains. Of course, I got a mamey shake, which was terrific as well. Price for 2 meals and the shake was a little less than $20. Pro's: super friendly and quick service, amazing food, great value. Bathroom was bright and clean. Just so you know, seating is outside under a large covered open porch. Approximately 4-5 tables that can seat 4 people each. Not a big deal for us as we don't mind eating in the vehicle. The food was so hot and they pack it in Styrofoam, so it should travel well if you live in LC.

My only suggestion would be adding prices to the menu and maybe laminating 10 copies for people to grab when they walk in the door. It is easier to point to something in your hand than on the chalkboard, and I think it might make it easier for people who are new customers. Oh, yes, and please make more ropa vieja so there will be some left for...