Fatgirl Hedonist always kills me with her photos from Molina’s Ranch Restaurant in Hialeah. A picture of the Bistec Artesano from Molina’s gave me the sleepless nights that caused my visit here.
I visited Molina’s many times at its previous location across the street (4108 E 8th Avenue) and a few times at a second outpost on the outskirts of Westchester. It was founded in 1982 by Adolfo Molina, and in 1994, longtime chef Jose Orlando bought the place.
My late grandfather, Gollo Echevarria, was a giant fan. Gollo listened to the word on the streets and turned us onto all the best Cuban and Spanish comfort food spots.
I had many great memories rush back to me when I walked in. These real-deal Cuban cuisine joints will do that to me. I ate hundreds, if not thousands, of meals with my parents, maternal grandparents, and sister as a family unit at restaurants like this.
These Cuban comfort food restaurants are now food landmarks in South Florida.
Molina’s Ranch is the Real Deal
Molina’s Ranch is the real deal, and so is Fatgirl Hedonist, so she joined me for lunch at her favorite spot in Hialeah. When you come to Molina’s, you will get great home-cooked Cuban Food.
After eating some warm Cuban bread rolls with butter, mariquitas and chorizo arrived. The mariquitas were freshly fried and very hot to the touch. While those cooled off, a few chorizo slivers with grilled green peppers and onions crept onto my little plate.
I enjoyed them but thought these were right up my Dad‘s alley. Now, the mariquitas are more my Mom‘s style. The fried green plantains with never enough garlic mojo for dipping or pouring never seem enough.
Cari (FGH) only wanted one croqueta, which is fine cause I’m not sharing my two. The old-school, house-made ham croquetas hit the spot while we waited for our main courses.
Fatgirl Hedonist swears by the vaca frita with moros, which are definite must-order items. The Bistec Artesano is a breaded steak pounded thin, topped with Swiss cheese and ham Swiss cheese with a little crispy parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
It’s just plain ridiculous, not only in size but also in taste. It hits all the right comfort food notes.
Molina’s is one of those restaurants where it would be tough to have a bad meal. So I say, go and enjoy the real deal at Molina’s.
Once you open the menu, you’ll know what to do. And don’t forget dessert—hint hint—get the flan.
Molina’s Ranch Restaurant
4090 E 8th Avenue
Hialeah, FL
(305) 693-4440
Website – https://molinasranch.com
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/molinasranch
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/101816565888365
Monday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Tuesday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Wednesday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Thursday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Friday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday 7:00 am – 10:00 pm