La Carreta

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La Carreta

3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA
OpenUntil 11:00 PM·$$·$10-20 per person·Cuban

Legendary abuela-style Cuban comfort food on Calle Ocho since 1976

About La Carreta

La Carreta is one of Miami's most beloved Cuban institutions, serving homestyle classics on SW 8th Street in the heart of Little Havana's Calle Ocho corridor. Named after the oxcarts used in Cuba's sugar cane fields, this family-owned restaurant has been a cultural touchstone for decades, drawing locals and tourists alike with its unpretentious, abuela-inspired cooking.

The menu spans breakfast through late night, offering Cuban sandwiches, ropa vieja, picadillo, charbroiled meats, fresh soups, and the famously strong cafecito. Portions are generous, prices are affordable (most dishes $10–$20), and the atmosphere is casual and welcoming — equally suited for a quick lunch or a long family dinner.

With over 10,000 Google reviews averaging 4.2 stars and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice distinction, La Carreta is consistently ranked among Miami's top Cuban restaurants.

A full bar, late-night hours, and ample parking make it one of the most accessible and satisfying Cuban dining experiences in South Florida.

Highlights

Group Celebrations
Brunch with Friends
First-Time Visitor
Signature Ropa Vieja
Signature Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)
Private Events
Reservations Recommended
Lively

Dining Essentials

Dress Code

Casual

Typical Visit

45-75 minutes

Make a Reservation
Verified
7.4
/10
Service
6.0

Ambience
7.0

Food Quality
8.0

Value for Money
9.0

Location
8.0

Score derived from 11,500+ public reviews

Buzzing

DaysSaturday
Times7–9 PM

Relaxed

DaysFriday and Saturday
TimesOff-peak hours

Reservations are recommended. Weekday mornings and early afternoons (8–11 AM on Tuesday and Wednesday) are the quietest times to visit with minimal wait. A typical dinner runs $10-20 per person. On-site parking is available.

Open Until 11:00 PM

Monday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Saturday8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Reviews

Well-rated (4.2/5 on Google, 4.0/5 on TripAdvisor with 1,240 reviews) with strong praise for authentic Cuban food and value, though service consistency receives mixed feedback.

Food QualityValueAtmosphere

The Experience

Amenities

Private EventsReservations RecommendedLivelyWheelchair AccessibleWine ListAccessible RestroomCredit Cards AcceptedBeer SelectionPrivate DiningVegan OptionsCozyDelivery

Location Calle Ocho

3632 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135, USA

Signature Dishes

View full menu →

Ropa Vieja

Classic Cuban braised shredded beef, a staple of the La Carreta menu and one of its most reviewed dishes.

Cuban Sandwich (Cubano)

$6.50

Ham, roast pork, and Swiss cheese on Cuban bread with mustard and pickles — a Miami icon.

Cafecito / Colada

Famously strong authentic Cuban espresso, one of the most mentioned items across reviews.

Pastelitos

Cuban pastries that are among the most mentioned items in Google reviews with 28 mentions.

Churrasco Carretero

$16.95

10 oz skirt steak served with chimichurri sauce, a charbroiled meat signature.

Frijoles Negros Sopa

$3.50

Homestyle black bean soup available in three sizes — a comforting Cuban staple.

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Listing details verified March 2026.Report a closure or change