E. B. Latin Bistro — Restaurant in Plano

Wow!! Another 5 star rating from a person that doesn't find it easy to give a good review.

I always find it more encouraging to write a review on an establishment when I don't like the food, find it over-valued (expensive), or experience very poor service. Sorry, that is how I release my anger and frustration at an establishment, and the easiest way I find to discourage people from patronizing an establishment, and that is what most of my reviews are covering.

However, it is easy to say great things (well I wish they were open later on Friday nights) about E.B. Latin Bistro. I LOVE this place.

I love seafood, especially when it is served in a manner that my step-mother (half Cuban) made it, and nothing is better than Paella. I grew up in South West (Tampa area) Florida, where the influence of the Cuban culture is strong. From the boiled pork Cuban Sandwiches, to the seafood Paella (I love it). I don't dare drink the coffee (have me bouncing off the walls). My mother lives in the Tampa area, and we always make frequent visits for Cuban Sandwiches, deviled crab, stuffed potatoes, yellow-rice with black beans, and where ever I can find it, Seafood Paella (even with Chicken and Seafood is Awesome). My favorite location in Tampa was closed after the University of Tampa took over the location.

Finding a good Paella in the Dallas, Texas area is difficult. I thought I was satisified when I tried the expensive version of Paella at Brown Sugars. The first time I tried it, I loved it. However, their preparation was inconsistent, and their rice was very under cooked, and the disk lacked the correct mix of seafood, chicken, and spices.

I did a search for Paella, and found locations in Frisco, Texas with great reviews but appear to be closed (they never answered their phone). Then I found E. B. Latin Bistro. I ordered, to go, both versions of their Paella (one for my wife with some chicken as she doesn't like the Seafood taste that I enjoy ). I couldn't wait to drive back across town and try it, and it did not disappoint!! It was awesome. I have been back twice since (by myself even), and that, along with chip's and Salsa (they have very good Salsa) is all I have ordered. I will continue to return to this location for their Awesome Paella, although I also read the reviews that they have a good Cuban...

Shoutout to our local community heroes!! Owners John and Patricia and crew are genuine souls and solid personalities!!! Attentive, efficient, and full of hospitality!!! The hubby and I lived in Miami for near half of our lives. We have missed cafe con Leche which was on every corner! We have been blessed with finding this venue in our neighborhood!! It's in the same building complex as UPS, Sally's beauty, and near The Shops at Willow Bend... across from Prestonwood Church! Easy to miss, BUT DON'T make that mistake!!! Ropa Vieja !!!! Cuban dish (a generous amount of shredded flank steak lovingly stewed in a luxurious tomato sauce base) served with perfectly cooked rice and savory black beans. My hubby requested it to be spicy!!! Wow!!! It was delicious!!!! Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime on top!!! I had the Arroz con Pollo ( I also had it with added spice). The entree was well balanced ! It is savory and beautiful!!! The chicken was tender and flavored throughout!!! I ate all the way to the bones!!! Compliments to the cooks!!! Patricia keeps quality control on point!! Appetizers we picked to try out was tostones, sweet plantains, and empanadas with creamy jalapeño sauce!! This sauce is off the chart!!! Can we buy a bottle of this!?!?! Yes, we ordered a lot, but we wanted to sample our faves!!! 6 star review!!! There's so many entrees to try on our return visits!! A full bar!!! John makes awesome mojitos and espresso martinis!!! Great wine choices also! We saved an inch of space in our bellies to try the churros a la mode!!! Drop the mic, folks!!! I'm satisfied and blessed!!! John will sit and chat when he has a second, because he rocks !!! Patricia even took a break from cooking to welcome us! Sweetheart of a lady!!! She makes sure that we taste the LOVE in her cooking! That is the special ingredient that nourishes our tummies and our hearts!! Lots of regular customers and that is a great statement!!! God bless!!! Stay safe and healthy everyone!!! Come on in and try your faves and make...

So I'm pissed off because I came in for a pick-up order of empanadas and a relatively young guy looked at me and asked me "can I help you"...felt like I wasn't supposed to be there the way he addressed that.....wrong greeting pal. It should always be welcome to "ur restaurant name here"....smh. that's the first sign. I got my food and my plain ice water drink and boy did I barely have any ice on it. That's the second sign. After I paid, the guy gave me back $10 bill for my change. And after a few seconds, he then asked me if I wanted to have two $5 bills instead....... I thought that was strange that he asked me that since my amount due of change back was $10. I didn't care if it's a ten dollar bill or two $5 bills, just give people the right amount. I'm assuming he may have wanted me to give him $5 tip for a $10.29 tab.smh.... So I ask the Hispanic or Latino guy to put more ice and he gave it back to me saying be careful it's spilling over.. I'm driving off and it just dawned on me that dude just literally put more water on my ice water drink than any ice at all. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️. Granted I wasn't really paying attention when he handed me my water drink and I just took off and I even gave him $2 tip since it was $10.29 for four small empanadas, so that's my fault. But hey cueball, can you at least put more adequate ice to water ratio next time when people ask for water in general unless they specify no ice. Can't believe I'm having to lecture a restaurant worker how to do his job.smh..like I barely had any ice or nothing at all. Never ever coming based on that experience. The empanadas were $10.29 for four small pieces. Not worth the value, just go elsewhere and get a meal...