Some folks are Versailles people, but not me; I’m a La Carreta guy. Why am I comparing the two? Well, the Valls family owns both, which are iconic Cuban comfort food restaurants in Miami.
The original location is still open right across the street from Versailles, probably from which this Versailles versus La Carreta situation stems. There are now seven La Carreta restaurant locations in Miami-Dade County, including one at the airport, another in Mercy Hospital, plus 2 in Broward County (Miramar & Pembroke Pines).
La Carreta in Westchester
I grew up eating at the La Carreta Westchester (formerly a Black Angus restaurant), their second location. To this day, I still go there with my parents for a late lunch.
Every great meal at La Carreta starts with some pansito, aka toasted and butter Cuban bread, and a whole bunch of their ham croquetas.
We like to order ten ham croquetas, with the thought being if we don’t eat them, we have snacks for later or breakfast the following day.
My parents are French onion soup kinda of people, but I’m not. They share this fella, and my Mom eats the lion’s share cause she’s usually full after pansito, croquetas, and her portion of the soup.
Every time we’re at La Carreta, my dad eats a sandwich; nine times out of ten, it’s a pan con tortilla. This is his absolute favorite in town, and I know cause he won’t let me forget it.
I must eat a Milanesa de Pollo at La Carreta by Burger Beast decree. Growing up, this was my go-to meal, my first true milanesa love, and still one of the best in town!
And you’re not leaving La Carreta without a tacita (pronounced ta-cee-ta, a small cup) of their rich and flavorful cafecito, always made just right. I will allow you to have a cortadito as long tostadas (buttered toast) are under consideration too.
Yeah, so there you have it. I love La Carreta and have many great moments eating here with friends and family. The minute I step inside, a rush of great memories flood back, and I feel like I’m home. And then, it’s time to make some new ones.
La Carreta
8650 Bird Road
Miami, FL
(305) 553-8383
Website – https://www.lacarreta.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lacarretacuban
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 – 12:00 am
Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 am
Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
La Carreta Sunday Brunch at International Mall
When my grandfather was alive, we regularly frequented the Sunday Buffet at La Carreta outside of the International Mall. It was a friends and family affair and consistently excellent.
The Sunday Buffet had been on hiatus for a few years and recently returned. You won’t find a better deal with a buffet that includes a cafe con leche and tostadas for fifteen bucks.
I mean, what’s not to like about unlimited croquetas?
They’re all here, like ham, real sausage links, bacon, eggs, pastelitos, and more.
I have yet to go since its return, so I must thank my bud Mario for sending these pictures my way.
Please remember, the Sunday Buffet is only on Sundays from 8 AM until 11:30 AM.
La Carreta outside of International Mall
10633 NW 12th St
Miami, FL