Casa Paco Restaurant

Casa Paco is a Spanish/Cuban restaurant, located just west of SW 87th Avenue on Bird Road in Miami. This is one of the blooming hispanic communities in Miami, and it shows in the food offered at Casa Paco. The decor is quirky, with photos of " ... more

Casa Paco is a Spanish/Cuban restaurant, located just west of SW 87th Avenue on Bird Road in Miami. This is one of the blooming hispanic communities in Miami, and it shows in the food offered at Casa Paco. The decor is quirky, with photos of "the old country" (I'm not sure *which* old country) on the wall and artifacts scattered about. The waiters are in black and white penguin-type attire so common in this type of restaurant. But it actually is sort of charming in this setting. And really, who cares if a penguin is serving you, with food this good, it simply does not matter. The meal begins with cuban bread baskets and fresh plantain chips. (Ask for a side of Mojo to dip in!) Appetizers run the gamut, and I rarely order any because of the large portions. Ah yes, entrees: The Pollo Especial de la Casa is especially good: Half a partially-boned chicken marinated in Mojo Criollo (Garlic-Citrus cuban sauce) and grilled. Served with black beans and that sticky, sweet white rice I can never seem to master at home, this dish is savory yet sweet, the chicken is moist, the beans and rice divine. Another favorite is the Carne Asada (Pot Roast) But not like you've had before. A bit more chewy, yet still stringy, and seasoned with spices that make this a truly cuban flavor. Lastly, the ground beef Picadillo is just wonderous. Sweet new peas, raisins, onions, garlic, ground beef all in a sauce of cinnamon-y spicy sauce over white rice. It is a cuban take on chili, and the next day's leftovers, when the sauce has soaked into the leftover rice...words cannot describe. The prices cannot be beat either, the waiters are attentive and helpful in translating (which is a difficult task.) Bring your out-of-town friends here for a truly Miami-Cuban experience with Spanish flair! less