Food influencer Max Eats highlighted the Little Havana restaurant on his Instagram this week. He captions his post, "Oldest Mexican in Miami." However, that honor probably goes to Paquito's in North Miami Beach, which opened in 1990. What he does get right is that it remains one of the most affordable Mexican spots in the city.
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano serves authentic Mexican dishes, including quesadillas, tacos, sopes, and gorditas. The queso fundido con chorizo is easily the standout.
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Prior to Mi Rinconcito’s opening, Miamians had to drive down to Homestead for authentic Mexican fare. In the 2010s, Miami experienced a surge in taqueria openings, with spots of varying quality and authenticity emerging. Some of the best offerings that opened during that period remain, including Taqueria Viva Mexico (2516 SW Eighth St., Miami) and Taquiza (7450 Ocean Ter., Miami Beach).
Even then, Mi Rinconcito remains a standout. The spot is laid back and sparsely decorated, ensuring that the focus is on the food. The service is always warm and nurturing, something sorely lacking in many Miami establishments. In addition to the restaurant, a bakery is also located inside, selling Mexican classics such as concha and pan de muerto.
New Times has been singing the praises of Mi Rinconcito as far back as 2009, when then-food critic Lee Klein pointed out, "The kitchen kicks out some home-cooked specialties not often found in Miami's Mexican-American restaurants." More recently, food editor Nicole Lopez-Alvar named it one of Miami’s best hidden gem restaurants.
Mi Rinconcito Mexicano. 1961 SW Eighth St., Miami; 305-644-4015; instagram.com/mi_rinconcito_mexicano.
