Restaurants

La Carreta

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

8650 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155, United States $10–20
4.2
4,579 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

La Carreta, located at 8650 Bird Rd in Miami, FL, is a cherished gem for anyone seeking authentic Cuban cuisine in a welcoming, unpretentious setting. This restaurant isn’t about flashy trends—it’s about comfort, tradition, and the kind of food that feels like home.

When you step inside La Carreta, you’re enveloped by warm wood paneling adorned with nostalgic Cuban memorabilia, giving the space a timeless vibe that invites you to unwind and savor every bite. Whether you're stopping by for a hearty Media Noche sandwich at noon or a cozy cortadito late at night, the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting—perfect for families, friends, and even solo diners.

The menu is a celebration of Cuban flavors crafted with care and authenticity. Popular dishes like Vaca Frita De Pollo — grilled shredded chicken sautéed with onions — deliver deep, savory flavors that melt in your mouth. The Pechuga De Pollo Empanizada offers a perfectly breaded chicken breast with a satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy tenderness within. For garlic lovers, the Filetillo De Pollo Al Ajillo is a dream, featuring sautéd chicken breast fillets bathed in a fragrant garlic sauce that tingles the taste buds.

Don’t miss the Peсhuga A La Milanesa, a decadent breaded chicken breast topped with rich tomato sauce, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, baked au gratin until golden and bubbling. On Tuesdays, make sure to try the Carne Con Papas, a comforting beef and potato stew that warms you from within.

Beyond entrees, La Carreta’s cafeteria-style section offers delightful bites like Empanadas with fillings ranging from ham and cheese to spinach or chicken, all either fried or baked to perfection. Sweet treats like Pastel Guayaba and Pastel Queso provide a gentle, fruity finish to your meal. The Café La Carreta is also a standout — a robust Cuban coffee to energize or close your dining experience.

What truly elevates the experience here is the genuine hospitality. Guests repeatedly praise the accommodating service—whether stopping by spontaneously or with a larger group, as Ricardo Fong notes, “Went Sunday night, party of 6 with no reservation, got a table with no issues.” Frequent visitors rave about the meal’s freshness and consistent quality; Kristin Klingaman shared her delight at getting seated promptly and enjoying every fresh, piping-hot bite.

La Carreta comfortably balances the needs of tourists and locals alike. As Marina “Moth” Bradley observed, the extensive menu has something for everyone, pleasing even picky eaters. Kurt’s glowing recommendation reflects the place’s community trust, having been referred by a fishing charter captain himself and leaving him eager to return year after year.

If you crave Cuban comfort food that delivers authentic flavors paired with a warm, neighborhood vibe, La Carreta on Bird Road is a must-visit. It’s the kind of restaurant where recipes are lovingly preserved, and every dish tells a story—inviting you to join in and make memories over great food.

Contact: +1 305-553-8383

Address: 8650 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155, United States

03 Notes from regulars

4,579 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.2
Based on 4,579 verified notes
5 2,751
4 918
3 389
2 167
1 432
All Cuban Food Croquetas Plantains Cortadito Palomilla Pastelitos Cuban Sandwich Yuca Churrasco Arroz Con Pollo
Ricardo Fong.
2 month ago
Good cuban food, great drink selection at a very afordable price. Went Sunday night, party of 6 with no reservation, got a table with no issues. They do have a kids menu.
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Kurt.
3 month ago
We were referred here by the captain of our fishing charter. This place was amazing! Service was exceptional and the food was phenomenal! If you’re in the area it’s definitely worth it to stop in for some authentic Cuban cuisine. Can’t wait to come back next year.
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Kristin Klingaman.
3 month ago
Our first time here and enjoyed every bite! Surprisingly for a Sunday afternoon we were seated immediately as a party of 7. Food was fresh and hot. Highly recommend and you won't be disappointed!
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DΛVΞ GΛRCIΛ.
4 month ago
La Carreta – Bird Road: Miami’s Cuban Comfort Zone . MIAMI, FL - La Carreta on Bird Road isn’t about flash — it’s about roots. For decades, it’s been a go-to for Cuban comfort food that feels like home, whether you’re rolling in at noon for a Media Noche or 2 a.m. for a cortadito at the ventanita. . Inside, the vibe is warm but unpretentious—wood paneling, Cuban memorabilia, and the constant hum of conversation. Out front, the ventanita is pure Miami: locals in guayaberas leaning on the counter, trading stories over tiny cups of jet-black espresso. . The menu is a greatest-hits playlist of Cuban staples. The Vaca Frita—crispy, garlicky shredded beef—is a crowd favorite, as is the roast pork with congrí and sweet plantains. Sandwich lovers swear by the Media Noche, while the Ajiaco stew gets high marks for its hearty, home-cooked flavor. Fried yucca with cilantro-garlic sauce is a must for late-night snacking. . It’s not flawless — some diners have hit the occasional overcooked tostones or chewy steak sandwich, and service can swing from warm and attentive to a little rushed. But when the kitchen’s on point, the flavors are bold, satisfying, and unapologetically Cuban. . La Carreta isn’t trying to be trendy — it’s a slice of Havana in Miami’s sprawl. Come for the lechón, stay for the people-watching, and never skip that cortadito before you go.
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Marina “Moth” Bradley.
5 month ago
Good for tourists and locals :)) big menu with enough to please everyone! Went with a group of half Cubans, half Americans, and everyone was really happy, even the picky eaters! Everything is good, but they obviously have some specialties labeled on the menu that are too good to pass up. My personal fave is vaca frita, it's just like how my mom used to make! Great place, really. Give it a try sometime soon!
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Rene Perdigon (ClubMagicoMiami).
6 month ago
We came here to celebrate our Club anual Banquet with the members of Ring 45 Miami we had a great time and everyone was happy with the services and the food
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Anton Mendez Guzman.
6 month ago
A unique Miami experience, absolutely loved everything on the menu. Portions are great, everything tasted delicious, service was good. Nice spot for classic Cuban cuisine!
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Samera Nath.
6 month ago
This is my favourite La Carreta location, the quality of the food and service is always consistent. Ordered a family serving of ropa vieja with rice & beans and maduros for my lovebird's birthday party. La Carreta Bird Road executed this flawlessly; the food was ready on time and Zaylin from the front desk helped me to carry everything. The food was absolutely delicious, and the party was a success. Thank you so much!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday (today) 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Friday 07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 07:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 07:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Finding the door

8650 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33155, United States

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Highlights
  • Fast service
  • Great beer selection
  • Great cocktails
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
  • Serves local specialty
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Happy hour food
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Late-night food
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Quiet
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
  • Has changing table(s)
  • High chairs
  • Kids' menu
Parking
  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Parking
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