Exquisito Restaurant

• Cuisine(s): Cuban
  Hours: Daily 7am-0am
  Price: $ $
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Takeout, Private Party, Banquet Facilities, Wheelchair Accessible, Kid Friendly
  Serving: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch
  Alcohol: Beer/Wine
• Reservations: Accepted, Not Accepted
  Parking: Street

Description

This family-owned eatery has a rich history in Little Havana. What began as a small, 16-seat cafeteria next to the Tower Theater is now a 75-seater serving lovingly prepared Cuban food. Owner Heliodoro Coro bought the space in 1974 and runs it with his nephew Juan, who can sometimes be found in the restaurant's kitchen. Menu items are all under $15 and include a variety of meat, pork, poultry, and seafood plates, along with a long list of sandwiches, sides (try the tamal), and daily specials. Dishes go beyond the typical vaca frita (shredded beef) and palomilla (steak) to include "Italian-style" liver served with rice and plantains ($8.95) and Delmonico steak ($10.95). The daily specials are also worth checking out; they range from hearty soups to oxtail stew and fabada asturiana (a Spanish bean stew). With more than 30 years at the same location, two expansions, and a loyal fan base, Exquisito is doing something right.