Some folks in social media land have repeatedly told me to check out the croquetas at Mario’s Restaurant in Homestead. A couple of people said that they’re possible contenders for the “Best Croqueta in Miami.”
I was in Homestead getting my Steamed Cheeseburger fix when, as I was driving, I saw the sign for Mario’s. Sure, I was full, but I must uphold as the croqueta ambassador to South Florida to check this place out.
One illegal u-turn (Hialeah-style) later, I was in Mario’s parking lot. I ordered two of Mario’s croquetas at the ventanita. After one bite, the thought crossed my mind that I should have ordered a croqueta preparada.
By the second bite, I was thinking about whether I should take 10 or 20 croquetas to go. While my brain was working, I somehow ate both of them, and I also convinced myself to walk away croqueta-less.
The minute I got home, I realized I had made a terrible mistake; I should have taken some to go cause those croquetas were out of bounds.
Second Visit to Mario’s Restaurant
So, the following week, I returned with plans to sit down inside and eat some Cuban comfort food, like a sandwich with a couple of croquetas by mistake. The server suggested I tack on a beef empanada and a papa rellena.
These ham croquetas had little filler and were flavorful; I’ll take them any day of the week and twice on Sunday morning with my pastelitos……brother.
The tightly wound beef empanada and papa rellena had one thing in common: well-seasoned beef. It’s a tough call to say which one I prefer, but you can’t go wrong with either or both if you’ve got room.
The pan con tortilla (omelet sandwich) with Swiss cheese was great, but by then, I was stuffed. Usually, I add onions and ham to my pan con tortilla, and that’s the only thing I could think to do to improve this sando.
Now I’m hearing that Mario’s has a killer Milanesa, which means another visit in the works, but this time, I’m bringing some backup. A few friends will allow me to try more dishes and maybe even make it to dessert!
Mario’s Cuban Cuisine Family Restaurant
1090 N Homestead Boulevard
Homestead, FL
(305) 247-2470
Website – http://marioscubancuisine.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mariosfamilyrestaurant
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/mariosfamilyrestaurant
Monday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 7:00 am – 12:00 am