Despite its popularity, not all fritas cubanas are created equal. For those who aren’t familiar with Miami’s most iconic dish, there are hallmarks of a fine frita. A Cuban roll with a crisp crust and moist interior sets the foundation. Some substitute regular hamburger buns to hold its contents: a juicy ground-beef patty seasoned so well with paprika, cumin, and pepper that it makes an American burger look #basic. Top the patty with chopped white onions and a tall pile of julienned fried potatoes.
Simply put, it’s a burger con un twist. Many cooks have replicated the frita as if it were served straight from the street corners of Cuba, while others have tried and failed at the frita formula. We saved you from wandering around the streets of Calle Ocho, Hialeah, and West Miami. Below you’ll find greasy classics from the city’s most legendary dining institutions, along with savory reinvented recipes using chorizo or gussied-up creations with eggs and plantains. And the best part: They’re all cheap.
So get to know the ten best fritas cubanas in Miami. Then go eat them.
10. El Palacio de
If
9. Fritas Domino La Original
Just because you’re going classic doesn’t mean quality is sacrificed, and Fritas Domino is as classic as it gets; it’s the original. We can thank its founding family for introducing the
8. La Palma
A
7. Polo Norte
With Polo Norte locations in Hialeah, Kendall, Palm Springs, and Sweetwater, the
6. Sergio’s
Like Polo Norte, Sergio’s is also sprinkled across the Magic City and has even crossed into Broward County. No matter the location, the chefs at Sergio’s works wonders on a bun. The burgers are chock full of spices that give that extra kick you need while effortlessly blending the tastes and textures of potato sticks, onions, and ketchup. Not that hungry? No problem. Mini
5. Luis Galindo’s Latin American Cafeteria & Restaurant
Relaxation is holding a
4. Cuban Guys
The crew at Cuban Guys has specialized in turning standard ingredients into sought-after masterpieces. You’ll see it in the glorious assemblage of the menu’s top seller: a seasoned all-beef patty piled with crisp string fries and onions and packed inside a perfectly toasted and unmistakably branded Cuban roll. On Tuesdays, customers get to enjoy the
3. Morro Castle
Located in Hialeah, Morro Castle ($2.79) has been a source for tasty, no-frills Cuban food since 1966. The draw is simple: Morro’s
2. El Rey de las Fritas
When it comes to
1. El Mago de las Fritas
Follow Maureen on Twitter.