Mary's Cafe — Restaurant in Miami

Breakfast, Bistec, and Bumps: A Perfect Morning at Mary’s

Woke up in Miami with the sun shining, birds chirping, and the distinct realization that I needed a pan con bistec in my life immediately. So naturally, I pulled the covers off the Classic American lowrider, flipped the switches on the hydraulics, and decided to cruise through the city in style—bouncing through traffic like it was 1997 again.

As I rolled down the streets with the car hopping at red lights (because why not), I took in all the chaos and beauty that is Miami: palm trees swaying, people looking like they just stepped off a music video set, the smell of cologne, sunscreen, and bad decisions in the air—and of course, the absolutely reckless drivers who think turn signals are optional. One guy made a left turn from the right lane, looked at me dead in the eyes like I was the problem. Miami, never change.

Eventually I made it to Mary’s Coin Laundry & Café, a true local staple that had been hyped to me endlessly by my friends who were born and raised in the 305. I walked in and it felt like stepping into a time capsule—a humble mom-and-pop shop fused with a laundromat, full of character, flavor, and that unmistakable Cuban soul.

Now, let’s talk food.

I usually avoid bread (my waistline thanks me), but I had to make an exception for the pan con bistec. One bite in and I knew I was about to finish the whole thing. Crispy, tender steak layered with onions, potato sticks, and all kinds of Cuban magic. It wasn’t a sandwich. It was an experience.

Then came the guava pastry—chef’s kiss. And this is coming from someone who rides hard for Porto’s in L.A. This one? Ten out of ten. Zero notes. I should’ve ordered six. I also grabbed a couple papas rellenas, and again, flawless victory. Crunchy on the outside, creamy meat-and-potato heaven on the inside.

The service was warm, the vibe was nostalgic, and there’s just something wholesome about enjoying bomb Cuban food while people are switching out their dryer loads ten feet away. It’s authentic. It’s Miami.

Leaving Mary’s, full and content, I hopped back in the lowrider, hit the switches, and bounced off into the Miami sunshine with steak sandwich grease on my fingers and a smile on my face. A perfect morning.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Should you go? Only if...

In my quest to find the perfect Cuban sandwich I heard about Mary's coin laundry and deli since it's right down the street from where I'm currently staying I decided to head there after work and get a Cubano. It didn't take long for them to make it, I don't think I waited more than 5 minutes that may have been a red flag usually in my experience a great Cubano takes at least 15 minutes to cook and assemble and since I wanted to eat at my Airbnb which was a quarter mile or less away I literally did a grab and go which is what this experience felt like. Upon opening the wrapper I noticed the bread looked really fresh but did not have any crispiness to it and my assumptions were clear it didn't spend much time under the flat iron. No, I'm not saying this sandwich is bad it had a good taste to it The bread was very fresh and light but it just tasted like a ham and cheese sandwich assembled with a couple of slices of pork and ham but of really good quality the cheese was on point as well. I've heard a lot of rave reviews about Mary's and I can see why it's a great sandwich but in my opinion and it's just my opinion it doesn't hold a candle to Enrequitas on second and 29th in midtown but my all-time favorite is from La Cucina International in Spring Hill Florida. Don't get me wrong this was a great sandwich it was fresh the bread was light and delicious but it wasn't crispy The deli meat was a very good quality and tasty but there wasn't enough of it compared to other great cubanos I've had plenty of pickles the way I liked and enough mustard. Now Mary's has lots of other delicious looking sandwiches on their menu and for a sandwich shop tucked away in the corner of a laundromat and being right down the street from my Airbnb I will be back there again to try some of their other offerings. Three stars for the Cubano Five stars for quality...

Correct me if I'm wrong but this place was the little spot for a late night or any time steak sandwich. When I would go the service was great and the sandwiches were great as well not to mention the prices were good too. I would say around $5.50 or $6 when I would go. Now I understand times are different and things have changed I get that. I don't mind paying a bit extra to help a small business. But you walk up and think the service will be the same. I placed my order 2 sandwiches and an empanada total was roughly $20. I was a bit confused as to why so much. I asked and the lady at the register tells me in the most annoyed attitude. "Sandwiches are now $8.50 each" I look up to the display where they have thier menu and I said "it states $7.50" here. Her response? "Yeah but that's the new price". I pay it and get my order. So here's my verdict. For $8.50 each you get an overpriced bland tasting thin steak sandwich and some attitude on the side. (Hopefully you don't get the same person who took care of my order). Sad to see a once good place for a quick bite decline in service the way it has. This is my opinion though I welcome you to go and have your own experience. Management should really take a closer. Look at giving a better experience. Everything doesn't last for ever and at that rate it'll soon be another...