In search of a new favorite place for a taste of the Caribbean?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable Caribbean restaurants around Miami, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of where to venture for Cuban, Guyanese and other Caribbean fare.
1. Caja Caliente
Topping the list is Caja Caliente. Located at 2634 N.E. Second Ave., this Cuban spot, which offers tacos and more, is the highest rated budget-friendly Caribbean restaurant in Miami, boasting 4.5 stars out of 192 reviews on Yelp.
This family-run business started as a food truck and expanded to a brick-and-mortar restaurant inspired by homemade meals. The menu is crafted from recipes handed down through generations, like Lupita's Pan Con Lechon with black bean pico, fries, cotija and spicy mayo.
2. El Rey De Las Fritas
Next up is Little Havana's El Rey De Las Fritas, situated at 1821 S.W. Eighth St. With four stars out of 302 reviews on Yelp, the Cuban breakfast and brunch spot, offering burgers and more, has proven to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Since 1976 this spot has been serving up classic Cuban fare. It's known for its frita cubana, a Cuban-style burger made with a ground beef patty and sautéed onions, topped with crispy shoestring fries on a Cuban roll.
3. B & M Market & Rhoti Shop
B & M Market & Rhoti Shop, a Caribbean spot in Little Haiti, is another much-loved, low-priced go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 79 Yelp reviews.
The married couple behind this restaurant serve up traditional fare from Guyana along with other popular Caribbean dishes. The menu features daily specials including oxtails, curry goat, ackee and saltfish and beef stew. Head over to 219 N.E. 79th St. to see for yourself.
4. Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop, which has earned four stars out of 241 reviews on Yelp, has a menu that touts "the best steak sandwich in Miami." Look for sandwiches, soups, platters and more. The casual Cuban eatery at 186 N.E. 29th St. in Wynwood also offers breakfast fare like the croquettes with ham and daily specials.
Yelp reviewer Yaz O., who visited the eatery in March, wrote: "Croquettes are to die for. Literally. And the steak sandwiches are massive. Seriously huge. Come hungry."
5. Villa Havana Cafe
Finally, there's Villa Havana Cafe with 4.5 stars out of 67 reviews. Stop by 4315 N.W. Seventh St., Suite 30, just south of Miami International Airport, to hit up the cafe for Cuban coffee, sandwiches and empanadas the next time you're in the mood for cheap eats.
Yelp reviewer Dhon U. dined at the cafe on May 30 and shared his experience: "Great service and Cuban coffee. The waitress provided awesome recommendations and was very friendly. She was also bilingual, which I appreciated since my Spanish is not great. The menu was well organized and easy to read."
