La Carreta — Restaurant in Miami

Wow this was a good meal. The steak was off the chain. I wished we had food like this in my area.

Food I ordered Rating 1-10 Appetizer: Croquettes. They were ok something I would not order again. Rating 5

Appetizer: Gambas "Al Ajillo" this was good and I'm drooling thinking about it the Flavors were there is it tasted fresh and no wierd frozen texture. I wished I can get more of this. Rating 9

Main Dish: Churasco Steak. One word wow. This steak made me all fuzzy inside. If I could use the Dirty O word this steak did it. I enjoyed it so much I ended up ordering another one to take home. Rating 10

Side dishes Black Beans and white rice. The beans tasted home made with add ins to them like onions and other stuff. It was Legit. Rating 10

Atmosphere: Very comfortable dining being a white guy in Miami I didn't feel out of place going here. Very welcoming.

Rating 9

Staff: My waitress was fantastic she was an older woman Im sorry for not getting her name. She made me feel welcome and part of the family when I sat down. I had an issue with a drink I ordered being wierd and she quickly apologized for the problem and even though I told her it was fine she was super fast about correcting the issue. My trip was Dec 6th around 430 so if you have a way to say thank you to her for me I would be grateful.

Raining 10

Cleanliness: The staff seemed quick to bust tables and make sure that the restaurant appeared clean. As something was used my waitress grabbed it keeping my table clean and neat.

Rating 10

All in all this business trip was fantastic because of this place. I'm so glad that I listened to a friend's recommendation. So word of mouth is great for this place I have already recommended it to two of my coworkers. I did have the choice to go across the street and pay higher money for Cuban food but I like the Mom and Pop types of places. I can make you this promise the next time I come to Miami this place will be on my...

La Carreta has excellent service and first-class cuisine; the physical ambience is simple but warm and accommodating.

Before departing for Miami I had plans to dine at the renown Versailles-- one block over on the emblematic "Calle Ocho" in Little Havana BUT two incidents diverted me to La Carreta: a) A former US President's visit there after his arrest and arraignment at the local Federal Court on espionage and obstruction charges and the fact that he was serenaded with "Happy Birthday" by the patrons present therein; b) The recommendation of a local resident that La Carreta is the best.

However, it's worthwhile to note that Versailles introduced high-quality coffee in the USA, starting in the 1970s at its small stand in Miami International Airport; coffee and "pastelito" (a ground-beef Cuban pastry). Today, at the Cuban owned Triton Supermarket in Miami Beach, I was able to 'stock up' on my daily dose of two cups of good quality coffee; a tradition, I will say, that was started by Versailles. And, I must commend the restaurant for its imposing and beautiful building on "Calle 8".

Back to La Carreta: before leaving for Miami, I had longed to have a day-to-day Cuban dish (white rice, black beans, fried ripe plantain, and stewed chicken or beef). But, Triton Supermarket offered these and other staples on a daily basis-- though of three-star quality versus La Carreta's five-star. Thus, when I got there, I decided on two of my favorite dishes that I had not had in over 30 years-- Paella and Caesar's Salad and they both were the best that I ever had in my life.

Note: La Carreta has a branch at Miami International Airport, in front of Gate D-39 in the American...

Today is a true Memorial Day (as in a day to remember)Today I had the worst Cuban Sandwich that I have ever had. I’m 66 years old. I am also a lover of Cuban Sandwiches. I had my first Cuban Sandwich at the age of 12, and I have been in love with them since. I am writing this review for my fellow sandwich lovers. I need to clarify that I am not writing this in anger, or with any kind of resentment. I am offering my experience to fellow diners who share my love of Cuban Sandwiches. Here are the objective details. What made this sandwich the worst Cuban Sandwich in the world? The bread was cold, and not toasted. That made the cheese inside lukewarm, and unmelted. Of course the meat was also lukewarm. Ham, and especially pork, are disgusting lukewarm. The sandwich was hastily put together. Clearly slapped together without care. The result was an unappetizing bulge of bread, unmelted cheese, ham and pork scattered around the plate, oozing mustard and cold pickles in disarray. The sight alone was disgusting. Biting into the combination of room temperature pork and ham, unmelted cheese, and cold mustard was revolting. I don’t know what has happened to La Carreta. La Carreta and Versalles were once the gold standard in Cuban Sandwich excellence. How could La Carreta have fallen to the very bottom is inexplicable. Luckily, as this institution falls, new restaurant boasting excellent sandwiches seem to be rising. Please, please, go directly to one of them. Avoid La Carreta. I have taken the hit for you. Perhaps you could return the favor someday, and save me from an experience like this one. Cuban Sandwich...