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For over 50 years, the Vicky Bakery name has been an integral part of the Miami cafecito and the pastelito run. New Times even awarded the local bakery with “Best Croquetas” in 2025.
Now, as the brand continues its expansion across Florida, it’s officially entering the nighttime space. Introducing Bar Victor, the brand’s first-ever full-service bar. It’s located inside the Key Largo outpost on the Overseas Highway.
Bar Victor photo
The move marks a major evolution for the family-owned business, which was founded in 1972 by Antonio and Gelasia Cao. While Vicky Bakery has grown to include over two dozen locations across South Florida, Bar Victor marks the first time the company has moved away from the traditional bakery-counter model to offer a dedicated bar program.
Pedro Cao, Managing Partner at Vicky Bakery, noted that the goal of the expansion was to create a full experience that goes beyond the quick service counter. “With Bar Victor, we’re creating a space that brings together Cuban-inspired cocktails and shareable dishes,” Cao said in a statement.
Bar Victor photo
Cocktails in the Keys
To anchor the new drink program, Vicky Bakery tapped New Times contributor Giovanny Gutierrez. With his eye for beverages, he created a menu of modern, tropical, and Cuban-inspired drinks.
Highlights include the “Mojito Royal,” “Banana Daiquiri,” and “Guayabita Paloma.” Other inventive cocktails include the “Torrejas Old Fashioned” and the “Fuácata Cafecito Martini.” (The latter being a playful nod to Vicky Bakery’s cafecito culture.)
Bar Victor photo
Croquetas, Sandwiches, and Tapas
On the food side, Bar Victor’s menu moves away from breakfast pastries. Instead, guests can expect tapas-style small plates designed for sharing.
The kitchen is focusing on familiar favorites that translate well to a bar setting. Some of these include classic croquetas, empanadas, and tostadas. There are also tequeños served with a “Boom Boom” sauce.
For those looking for something more substantial, the bar serves a variety of pressed Cuban sandwiches. These include the traditional “El Cubano” and pan con lechón, as well as croquetas preparadas.
Bar Victor photo
A Legacy Expanded
The founders of the company originally fell in love while working at La Vencedora, which was once Cuba’s most renowned bakery.
After migrating to Miami as political exiles, they saved enough money to open their first small shop, eventually building a pastry empire that has stayed in the family for generations.
By opening Bar Victor, the family is betting that their brand of Cuban hospitality can translate into the evening as well.
Bar Victor. 97630 Overseas Hwy., Key Largo; barvictor.com.
