Pinolandia — Restaurant in Miami

I’ve been going to this Pinolandia since I was a kid and I’m 26 now. A couple of hours ago I went and made that long 30 minute line, just to get embarrassed and humiliated in front of everyone. I ordered 4 carne asadas, 2 of them with queso frito and maduros and the other 2 regular. The lady prepared them and while doing that, there were two guys standing there getting their food too. So she told me to go around them. Idk where they even came from bc they weren’t in front of me in line. Anyway, the lady prepared my food and set the bags in front of THEM on the counter. She said, the food is right there. At that moment I didn’t know if she was talking to me or to them as I was in front of the register. Next thing, I see one of the men grab one of the bags WITH MY FOOD apparently. I asked her where’s the rest of my food it’s supposed to be 4 of them. I had just handed her the money too & the men left quick with the bags of food. I told her there’s only 2 meals in this bag where are my other ones. I paid her $45 (by the way she didn’t give me my change till minutes later, and no receipt). I told her to refund me my money back and I also asked for a supervisor. There has to be someone in charge in that place and I know it wasn’t her. The lady said “follow them outside I told you I put the food on the counter”. Ma’m next time, hand the food to the customer in their hands. Don’t place it in front of other ppl that are also ordering.

At first I was like ok maybe they took it by mistake, but no they had been looking at me a lot so they were definitely plotting to steal food & who knows maybe she was in on it bc she sure was very rude about it. They also took the foods that had the queso frito, meaning they were watching her make it and planning to take it once I paid for it. minutes later she handed me the dollar change, still no receipt. I spent 45 dollars and walked away with 2 plates of food. No supervisor. I’m so mad I paid with cash cause I could’ve filed a dispute with my bank. I feel like a complete idiot for taking the 2 plates and walking away tbh. I didn’t know what to do. I should’ve raised hell in there, called the police and told them to run back that camera footage. 12/12/2020 at around 2:50pm. Oh and that woman is mad disrespectful and inconsiderate, I wish I knew her name! She needs to get fired!! If I could give zero stars I would and I’ll never step foot in that Pinolandia again. That is not how you should treat your customers. I didn’t do anything wrong all I wanted was the...

I'll say this in English, beef not fully cooked ?...well that is a typical Nicaraguan carne asada. Queso frito/fried cheese is delicious. El gallo pinto...well could be better but at least is cooked with oil and not lard(pork) like other carne asada places( no names they know who they are). I am Nicaraguan and live in the Midwest and all I think is the time for me to come down to Miami and enjoy my carne asada....the best...so far....out of a fritanga...it is not an upscale restaurant but it is a ☆☆☆☆☆ fritanga food and that is what I love about it. Now....why they don't have lot's of chancho asado...who knows...they know what sells and what not....tortillas are still thick but are becoming smaller every year I come here...careful they will start to look like the Colombian arepas soon if not careful. Now the best Cacao...hands down...with ice or without it... The best "Picos", chicharron too...not greasy nor salty. But really careful with "las tortillas"...I love my tortillas...I don't want to be served one day a tortilla the size of arepas with my carne asada...that will be the day you will loose me as a costumer...please they are increasingly smaller every year and 2019 was no different. But I still give this Fritanga ☆☆☆☆☆ cause they using real corn and not powder Maseca for the tortillas. People(costumers) are a little weird is like they have never seen a "Chele" Nicaraguan speaking Nicaraguan...almost everyone don't say chancho, vos, tuani o "como estas corazón".....besides that...the girls are attentive and respectful....love the way the look at me when I say " dame chancho asado...

Ask any local Nica and they will tell you that this place is THE fritanga to hit up when you're in Miami. How good is it?? Once had a Nica buddy who moved out to Los Angeles some years back, and when going to fly out and visit him he requested we bring him some Pino, which we did. Holding that bag of food in my lap for the 5+ hour flight from Miami to Los Angeles, I swear that everybody on that plane was salivating from the aroma of carne asada, gallo pinto and queso frito that permeated throughout the cabin. If that doesn't tell you how good it is, the constant line that runs outside the building should also give you an idea.

*A few caveats however before visiting, so you don't go in with some ridiculous expectations and give it a bad review:

#1. If you don't speak Spanish, take someone along who does. And if you're one of those people who want to complain about "This is America, everyone should speak English!" then do yourself a favor and skip this place and just go to Taco Bell. (As a matter of fact, just skip Miami altogether because we don't have time for that type of mindset here)

#2. This is NOT the place to dine in. Yes there are a few tables, but it's not very comfortable because it's a tiny place and there is always a crowd of people waiting to get their hands on that deliciousness. You're gonna wanna pick it up and take it home to enjoy or order delivery if that's more your thing.

Pinolandia does one thing and one thing only: make amazing food. They are a Miami legend and any rating less than 5 stars...