Before we get into the food at La Palma, let’s talk a little bit about the history of the building that houses it.
La Palma History
In 1953, Burger King, or Insta Burger King, as it was originally known, opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville. The new Insta Burger King concept then made its way to Miami via two franchisees.
The second Miami location would be at 6091 SW 8th Street. The lease on the BK property would expire in December 1974, and the building sat empty for a few years.
The location would reopen as Polaris, a Cuban diner-type eatery. Polaris was part of Felipe Valls‘ growing Cuban Miami restaurant empire, including Casa Juancho, El Cid, La Carreta, Trianon, and Versailles.
Some folks still believe that Polaris‘ name was Aqui Me Quedo because of the mural on one of the walls. The name would change to La Palma, as it is still known, but it was open 24 hours a day even back then.
La Palma Memories
My oldest memories from La Palma are of my family eating fritas, croquetas, churros (fried dough topped with sugar), and hot chocolate.
As far as the La Palma croquetas go, they’re identical to the famous ham croquetas from Versailles. If you love those, you will love them. Have you never tried Versailles‘ croquetas? Well, what are you waiting for?
La Palma Frita Cubana
I was a little apprehensive when I first ate a frita as a kid at Morro Castle in Hialeah. I had never seen or heard of a frita before.
My father told me it was the Cuban burger, but it didn’t look like any hamburger I’d seen before. I lifted the top bun to see what was going on.
I see these little tiny potatoes (some places serve them with canned potato sticks, unfortunately), onions (generally served raw), ketchup (sometimes), and cheese (if you request it, but not necessary). When I looked at the frita patty itself, I didn’t know what to think.
My dad took a bite and said it was good. I felt like I would be letting him down if I didn’t at least try it, so I did and got hooked. That brings us back to speed at La Palma.
I’ve been a lifelong fan of La Palma‘s frita, although it is more of an actual patty than the smashed beef on the griddle I’m accustomed to. They also make their julienne potatoes, which is always a good thing.The best thing about La Palma is that its walk-up window and outdoor seating area are open 24 hours a day.
Unfortunately, La Palma never recovered from the pandemic. It was replaced by Las Viñas BBQ.
La Palma is PERMANENTLY CLOSED6091 SW 8th Street
West Miami, FL