Laura’s Cuban Restaurant

A great small place for Cuban food. Enjoy the cubano sandwich and soup
Great selection of beers.

Laura’s — one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life, in the lowliest of locations.
To find this absolute gem amidst the unrelenting tourist trap of Hollywood FL was doubly thrilling. And triply so for «hole in the wall factor» and incredible food.
Yes, it looks like a perilous pizza parlor, but with worse lighting. Yes, we almost turned around. Mercifully we didn’t.
One could sprinkle superlatives liberally on Laura, but the one that counts is «authentic». These are her mother’s recipes, faithfully recreated. This is the owner who’s serving and guiding you. This is the real Cuban thing, but not just Cuban — as Laura says «Pre-​Castro Cuba». There’s something of that wildness in the fabulous flavors of this simple but oh-​so-​delicious food.
But first! The beer. «There’s the fridge. Help yourself». Now the fridge is almost the width of the restaurant. It contains — god knows how many fantastic beers from all over the world, at unbelievably low prices. Obscure stout from my old country (England) that I’ve never seen anywhere else. Lagers, IPA’s from all over, specialist brews from as far away as — Oakland! We settled down with a couple of beautiful Belgians and no surprise, went back for more. At $ 6 a bottle, it’s churlish not too.
We started with the coconut shrimp. I try this every (rare) chance I get and used to be addicted to a version in LA, but this trumps that. Not just sweet, but complex, almost sweet and sour flavor, with a coconut crust so crunchy-​fried perfect it would make tempura chefs weep. We knew we were onto something. Laura brought us a baked plantain side with a simple, light lemon dipping sauce to go with it, «because you must with the shrimp». For free.
First good idea — let Laura guide you. My friend had never had oxtail, but wanted something beefy and rich and Laura persuaded him. Absolutely hit the nail on the head, a huge plate of smoky, dense, dark deliciousness. He’s been converted to oxtail, which is bit tricky because I’m not sure he’ll find that good again, anywhere. I went for — I kid you not — «cow friend pork with onions» and it was sublime: sweet, sticky, tangy, addictive. We were encouraged to try the rice and beans and whereas in many places this is a starchy side-​act, here it had an unbelievably nutty flavor worthy of the main stage. And the fried plantains — well, you might say how can they not be good? — but these were so much more than sweet and took me back to the flavor I first tasted at Versailles in Venice. At Laura’s, perhaps I finally tapped into the true version.
We were more than well satisfied — but I had to ask. «Yes, we have flan and it’s home made». Loosen whatever is necessary and make room for this. It’s small, light, incredibly rich, and puts the insipid crème caramel to shame.
Turns out that Laura’s kids are trying to cajole her into retirement. I hope you get the chance to go before that much deserved, but disastrous, event.
Luara’s Cuban Restaurant
2723 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, FL 33 020
(954) 921 9990

Awful, small portion bland tast, flan was $ 5 for cheap jello flan that seemed to be going bad. Coukd not even taste it, looked nasty… to say the least. Ordered via eat24 for delivery, called restaurant and phone was not working. Seriously??? Horrible.

Amazing authentic Cuban cuisine. Meaty sandwiches, super sweet plantains, and smooth homemade sangria! Laura is awesome! Extremely friendly service! When in Hollywood, do Laura’s!

Visited for lunch on what was a slow afternoon at the restaurant. I was greeted by Laura’s warm and friendly smiles, she served my guest and I and made recommendations for items on the menu. The food was delicious I had the vegetarian option of rice and beans, plantains and Yuca. I highly recommend visiting this locally owned joint. #SupportSmallBusiness

Good cuban food at a reasonable price. Great beer selection. Nice staff.

Had the pleasure. of meeting laura and eating in her restaurant this evening. What a warm and inviting place to chow down some great homemade cuban fare. Laura
feel right at home. I was invited to go behind the front counter to choose a beer from. her refrigerator case which contains roughly 105 different options. Laura recomended my wife have the sangria. It was awesome and has quite a kick so be careful as it is homemade by laura who uses brandy as a main ingredient. Great stuff a must have. Food was authentic and very tasty. What a warm and inviting place to have a home style cuban meal. Laura and her husband were very accomodating and genuine. Great place all. around keeper.
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When in Southern FL, eat CUBAN! I was so excited to have Cuban food here in Hollywood (later in Miami) and was kind of hyping myself up for it. However, Laura’s fell short for me and it was just «ok». I believe I got the ropa vieja and thought it was just alright.
My colleague thought his food was just alright as well, and his wife’s food even came out cold :/​
If it wasn’t for Laura (believe she’s the owner herself) being so personable and friendly, I think this review would’ve been at least a 2.

Found Laura’s on Unilocal when looking for a lunch spot close to Memorial Regional Hospital. I figured South Florida was a good place to get a Cuban sandwich. She did not disappoint, and even recommended plantain chips that went perfectly with the sandwich.
Laura was very friendly and she told us about the tables in the dining area that were home made from old wine crates.

Cute hole in the wall restaurant. Great food and fabulous sangria. Sangria is house made and creeps up on you, unless you’ve got a strong alcohol tolerance. Laura is very sweet and inviting. I recommend the ox tail dish. :) Enjoy!

Came here because there were a lot of Unilocal reviews. And since we’re in Florida, might as well try Cuban food. Off the bat, the service was great. It’s literally a mom and pop shop. And mom and pop are so sweet. Help yourself to any beer behind the counter; it’s self serve. The sangria will creep up on you. So strong, but tasty!
We ordered the oxtail and Cuban sandwich, among other things. While everything was good, that oxtail was delicious! Pair it with white rice for a side, and you can mix the juice from the oxtail and drizzle it on the rice. Highly, highly recommend!

Esta é nossa segunda visita. O lugar é simples, o estacionamento é na rua de trás e se chega ao restaurante através de um corredor estreito. A impressão é que estamos nos fundos de uma casa.
A própria Laura nos atendeu. O cardápio é vasto, mas lembrávamos do Lechon Asado da visita anterior e esta foi a pedida, dupla.
Entre os acompanhamentos pedimos yuca (aipim cozido), moro (feijão e arroz misturados, com tempero especial), feijao preto e arroz (adoramos feijao preto) e platanos maduros.
Entre os acompanhamentos, os melhores para mim foram os moros (deliciosos) e os plátanos maduros. O leitão assado coberto com cebolas fritas tem sabor caseiro, muito bom.

I had been in Miami and was sad I hadn’t gotten Cuban while there… had some time on the way back to the airport so I decided to stop and I am GLAD I DID! Was greeted by the owner who quickly took my order. I told her I had a flight so the food came out quickly too. As I was admiring the beer selection she told me to plead go behind the counter and make myself at home… showed me where the opener was it was really very homey! People in there were very conversational and the food was FANTASTIC. Definitely marking this as a place to return when flying in or out of FLL

Incredible Cuban food. It’s so good. The chicken Milanesa is amazing, the morro is delicious, and the Cuban sandwich is so good.

Ate here last night with some clients of mine and we couldn’t have been happier! The food was great (we all got something different and shared), the beer was great (Cuban lager) and the Cuban coffee was great!
We had the whole place to ourselves and it felt like we were eating at Aunt Laura’s place, which was just so refreshing.
Laura’s is a gem. Cook on Laura, cook on!

Laura Cuban Restaurant — Near I –95 & Hollywood Blvd, if you can find it (see photo) Sign says parking in rear, but NO rear entrance, some old picture of Cuba & Calle ocho poster & some colorful art work from the son on walls. Shop completely empty, greeted by a cart of dirty dishes (photo) then out came owner Laura, took my order of Cuban Sandwich & left again to the unseen kitchen? The chalk board menu says Sangria by glass $ 7 up $ 90 for a gallon. The location must of had a/​c problems as rigged a/​c (photo) & lots of miscellaneous fans. Music didn’t enhance the ambience, NO spanish music instead Magic 102 Rock oldies, seating about 10 tables. Old bulb Track lighting, Air vents fairly clean. Overall condition & cleanliness of location seemed ok. Wall of 100 hot sauce’s, Why? 200 different beers, Why ?
I Ordered the «Authentic Cuban sandwich» came out in about 10 min, kind of long wait for a empty spot. Took it home to try it, first thing I notice seem like plenty of proper meats on this sandwich. But what really makes a Cuban sandwich is the bread (photo) this was meats on a Italian roll, how could you? If you don’t serve on Cuban bread then, don’t call it a Cuba sandwich, If you are out of Cuban bread, then you say we are All out of Cuban Sandwiches today. You should never attempt to past off what you served today as a Cuban Sandwich. This wrong bread thing, was not even put in La plancha toaster press to be cooked properly, the meats were room temperature & cheese not even melted. FAIL Cost $ 8 plus tip? On to go order, for owner ?
Value level — poor
Rating 2 of 10

Great home cooked food, amazing service and over the top friendliness, and a massive beer cooler to help yourself with cold glasses — how could this place be a miss?!? No, it’s nothing fancy, no it’s not trendy, but it definitely leaves you satisfied.
I had the ropa vieja which was incredible, full of flavor and tasted like a home cooked meal. The Moro rice was also great, I’m still thinking about it!
Laura was extremely friendly, helpful with the menu, and she makes you feel like you’re at home. I would go back simply to see her!
And let’s be honest, how cool is the beer fridge concept?!? Anytime I want a simple casual but tasty meal, I’ll be at Laura’s.

Had the empanadas and the fish! Very good homemade food and the price is very reasonable! Also, loved the art on the wall!
Totally recommend it for people that are looking for a cosy environment and good food! Laura (the owner) is a sweetheart!

This review is long overdue. Laura’s is a very welcoming place. Best Cuban food I’ve ever had. Unfortunately, I don’t recall what everyone in my party ordered but I had the oxtails and they were simply divine! It’s a nice portion so I had leftovers a day later. After having the oxtails sit in the rice overnight, it was even better the next day. I also tasted the beef empanadas and recommend them as well.
I’m not a beer drinker, so when I checked the menu I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t a full bar. That disappointment was short-​lived because Laura’s sangria hit the spot.
Finally the service was excellent. Laura came and chatted with us and made us feel like we were having dinner in her home. If I ever make it back to the area, I will definitely be going to see Miss Laura!

Love me some Laura’s! This is my family’s go-​to spot when we are catering a family party or holiday dinner. Or just Friday night dinner. Located in the ever-​changing downtown Hollywood, this is a staple when you want consistently good Cuban food in a warm friendly atmosphere. Miss Laura knows what’s up!
To start, we usually order a pitcher of Sangria and I usually peruse the beer menu, as they have an excellent selection. We always order some empanadas and toasted Cuban bread to accompany our drinks.
My favorite entrée is the roasted pork (Lechon Asado). So tender and flavorful, and mixes nicely with a side of black beans and rice and maduros. My mouth is watering just thinking about the tastiness! The ox tail is another favorite. So good!
The portions are quite generous, so be sure to bring your appetite. And if you are dining in, be sure to check out the fun art work around the dining room. Laura’s is always a treat when I come home for the weekend, as I know my family will always suggest coming here. Which I can never pass up!

Walked in the door and immediately noticed all the beer selections in the fridge. The owner told us we could help ourselves around the counter and pick out whatever we wanted to take back to our table.
I would recommend the Ropa Vieja and some tostones. The flavors go so well together in Cuban food! The arroz Moro and maduros that come with your dish is delicious.