David’s Cafe Cuban Cuisine

I’ll say this part first, if your reading reviews in order to decide whether or not to dine here for the first time, thank your lucky stars your are reading mine. Don’t take just my advice, go spend 30+ on a bland meal of 3^rd rate garbage.
1. My other half and I walk in very hungry and ask for a table, the girl seats us in the back section right next to a big group of people. In this group of people there is a woman with a microphone and it turns out the group is on a tour and stopped for a meal. The woman with the microphone is talking soo loud to all of these people, while everyone else like myself around them cannot hear anything but. What kind of restaurant, Café, or anything would allow this. It wasn’t hard to tell that every guest including us were extremely annoyed. We were fortunate to have just sat down, so we got up and walked around the corner to the bar seating.
2.As we sat down there, we finally got our menus! This was 5+ minutes after initial seating. Big service mistake but I could have gotten over it I used to wait on tables I can understand and I’m not a harsh person. These people moved soo slow it was painful.
3. We asked the girl for some waters and a little bit of time to look over the menu.

My son’s review
I did not enjoy this restaurant. I really wanna put –5 stars but it made me do this! Bathroom was dirty, stickers everywhere, always out of paper and soap. Service was bad. Table was wobbly. Tables are cheesy-​Cuban postcards stamps and money under plastic. Very bad. avoid! Go to joes crab instead!!!

I am staying right next door to this place. Until now, I had only gone to the walk-​up window for a cortadito, which was perfect. I was planning on going for dinner on my last night in Miami to have the vaca frita and compare the food to neighboring Polo Norte. However, I decided I wanted to try breakfast, too. The place was relatively empty, yet I was seated in a corner. I ordered the Perisco with papas a la casa, pan tostado cubano and a cortadito. Everything was good.
The Cuban waitress refused to speak to me in Spanish, which offended me. And, like every place else in Miami, 18% gratuity was already included when the bill came. $ 16 was steep for breakfast, even if in the heart of South Beach. Portions would have needed to be a lot bigger to justify the price. I am undecided as to whether I’ll go back for dinner, or return to the 5-​star Polo Norte…

Awesome Cuban food! The only thing we were bummed about was them not having the Cuban sandwich available, or any sandwich with ham or pork. assuming they ran out. Anyways, we got the Cuban sampler which had croquettes, a tamale, fresh plantain chips, yucca & pork chunks. Tasty stuff!!! We split the chocurra sandwich which was basically a Cuban steak sandwich with caramelized onions, melted cheese & topped with potato stix. Pretty good! We will be back.

It’s cheap, it’s open all night, and it helps hangovers. I had the ceasar salad, the cuban sandwich and chicken noodle soup. All were great!
My friend has something very cuban, since I didn’t order it, idk what it is but she approved.
Now sure it was 3am and we were drunk, but darn it was good lol

My husband and I stayed at the Congress Hotel for a few days during December and loved becoming regulars at David’s Café. We stopped every morning for a Cuban coffee (no milk, but definitely with sugar) before our walking around/​laying on the beach; and fell in love with the coffee, the alfajores, and our little routine.
Not sure it’s really the best place for a sit-​down, long meal; but it’s a great, charming diner with a happy staff and tons of options. We absolutely loved our experiences there and the memories we made.

Outside counter to get the real Cuban coffee experience. Sweet and strong. Guava pastries are sweet and sticky. They have a sit down inside restaurant serving Cuban entrees. They have free wifi. Also you can buy lotto here.

We had breakfast here during our visit, and it completely hit the spot for what we were craving.
I had the Cuban french toast, and my hubby had the media noche. LOVED them both.
The sweet bread they use here is fantastic.
I also had a Cuban coffee, (with no milk or cream added.) OMG! It was the BEST coffee I have ever had. My guy took a sip, and he doesn’t like coffee and had to order his own. That’s how delicious it is.
The server was the son of the owner, and he was a total sweetheart. We had fun flexing our muscles together, and chatting about food.
All in all, great experience, I will definitely come back next time we’re in Miami.

My partner and I walked in at around 11pm on a Sunday night. There were 4 – 5 staff hanging around, and a few other customers, but no one bothered to say hello back to us or direct us where to sit. We sat ourselves, which I don’t mind– but then no one came over to our table for at least 5 minutes. We helped ourselves to menus from the host area and then spent another 2 – 3 minutes trying to figure out whether we were supposed to walk up to the counter to order or if we should expect a server to come to out table.
Finally, my partner got up and approached the counter, at which point a female staff member (acknowledging us for the first time) sighed, rolled her eyes, and told him someone would come and take our order at the table.
Several minutes later, someone came to our table. We ordered two items to share– the Cuban appetizer plate and the Picadillo plate with maduros and Moros on the side.
As soon as we’d placed our order, we noticed a tiny little kebab place that was still open across the street. I think we both silently realized at that point that we had made a huge mistake in staying at David’s, but unfortunately it was too late.
Our food came out about 15 minutes later. Meanwhile, a table of 6 men walked in and seated themselves nearby. They were immediately given menus (and more attention than we ever received).
So the food was… terrible. I’m pretty sure a can of cat food would have been more appetizing than the Picadillo, which was bland and mealy– as if someone had taken ground beef and onions and killed them in a food processor for like 10 minutes (but then– maybe that’s exactly what they were doing!). You want raisins in your Picadillo? You want green olives? Go somewhere else.
Our order wasn’t that complicated, but our server still managed to screw it up– bringing us a side of rice instead of the Moros we’d asked for. If she’d bothered to come even close to our table at any point during the rest of the meal, we might have been able to inquire about this error– however, the staff all steered clear of us as soon as our food arrived at the table. Water and iced tea glasses went unfilled, obviously.
The appetizer plate was equally bad– all of it bland, fried to hell, and sloppily plated. We barely ate any of it– but what we did choke down was only made palatable by liberal doses of hot sauce and the knowledge that we’d spent an unreasonable amount of cash for the meal.
So that brings me to the most infuriating part (for me), which is that, for the quality of the food alone, David’s is insanely overpriced. Our bill (for an entrée, an appetizer, and one iced tea) was $ 38 (including an 18 percent gratuity, which was automatically added to the bill as-​is the restaurant’s policy).
Actually getting the bill was just as frustrating as the rest of the meal. After sitting for a long, long while (we were unsuccessful in trying to get the attention of any of the servers, who were either standing around talking to each other or fawning over the table of six dudes just across from us), my partner finally went back up to the bar to get the check.
He was ignored for a long time. In fact, he waited so long that I managed to write the first ²⁄₃ of this review before someone even acknowledged him. I watched from afar, and the staff didn’t appear to be busy– they were just ignoring/​avoiding him.
Meanwhile, two guys sat down at the table next to me. As they looked over the menu uncertainly, I considered suggesting to them that they go get a gyro instead. But I didn’t.
Both my partner and I have worked as servers/​restaurant staff. As customers, we’re generally very patient, gracious and friendly. We always tip 18 – 20 percent (often more) — whether we’re forced to or not. And I rarely write reviews.
Maybe if someone had bothered to get us our check in a timely fashion, I wouldn’t have had those 15 (yes– 15) minutes with nothing to direct my anger towards but the judge and jury of Unilocal!
By the way, that gyro place is awesome. We went there for lunch today. They’re open (and deliver!) until 5am, and the prices are reasonable ($ 7 for an enormous gyro) — so next time you need a hot meal at an odd hour? Go there.

I was visiting for a weekend and my first stop was here. I tried their cortadito and fell in love will the espresso used in this concoction. It was smooth, real smooth. I also ordered the Cuban toast — love the rich butter and crunch of this toast — I enjoyed what I ordered here that I went back 2 more times during this visit! Second time, I had the café con leche — so good! Third time, I ordered another café con leche but this time, I had Cuban sandwich.
I hope to find something like this back home because now I am hooked on the Cuban coffee and their toasts!!! YUM

Recht viel fader kann man ein Salat nicht Würzen…

Cortadito!

Coffee. Come here for coffee. Café con leche. Café Cubano. Cortadito. Whatever. Just expect it to be small, a little more money than you’re expecting to spend and order from the window. But it’ll taste decent.
If you’re coming here for food, abandon all hope. It’s a bit shameful that a SoBe institution such as David’s is half-@ssing it. With all of the Cuban eateries (and people) in Miami, there’s no excuse. I suppose as long as there are drunk tourists, though, prime location and late hours will always get the bills paid. If you live in Miami Beach, however…
I came here one Sunday night* in search of a quick sandwich because I didn’t feel like eating the food in my house. First-​world problems, all the way; I know. I rolled up to the window and placed my order — a media noche and yuca fritas. I thought the take-​out window would be the way to go but judging by the rolled eyes and heavy sighs I encountered, perhaps I was mistaken. 40 minutes (yes, FORTY) and $ 13.85 later, I had my food. Opening the container to make sure I had the right stuff, I noticed I had eight (8) fries. I paid $.50 a fry. What the what? The media noche was alright but certainly not worth the wait or the money. There are too many choices for Cuban food late® at night on the beach. DCCC, I’ve learned my lesson… the hard way.
*In all fairness, I was also here one night after spying the heartbreaker from my 11 Street Diner review. Unfortunately for me, David’s is all windows and attempting to hide behind a large bush while attempting to peek inside only works in cartoons.

After a night of strippers and alcohol my friends stopped by here for some Cuban food. I, on the other hand was passed out cold at the hotel. They brought back some rice and plantains. They were sooo good that I got up a few hours later and headed to the $ 8.95 lunch buffet. I got there at 3:20 (it ends at 3:30) and ate some mac n cheese (delicious) rice, and vegetarian things. Everything was delicious.
Stopped here again Sat. morning (obessed much?) and waited over 20mins for service– including water and menus. We left and I’m glad we did because we ate at a just as equally tastely place (review of that restaurant coming soon).
The service is the slow, but the prices are low. I’m wondering if that’s why they’re so slow because they figure that you’re practically eating for free.

The Best.
I’m speaking about the coffee (s). I’ve dined here too and the medianoche, etc are decent but better is available. Their hours are amenable though.
The coffee, however… has saved me on numerous occasions.
It’s akin to jetfuel… legal crack… whatever you want to compare it to. Haven’t found anything like it anywhere else in the country.

Had to try the famous Cuban Colada in Miami! Although I am not much of a coffee drinker, this is a must to try out if you’re here. They give you a cup of it with mini plastic shot glasses to share with everyone — a great idea, how fun! One sip is suppose to be really strong, caffeine doesn’t have much of an effect on me, but the flavor was really good! It was smooth and sweet. I wish I could have one here in California! Till next time Miami!

Why 4 stars? Because this is exactly what you’re looking for in Miami.
— — —
A Cuban café full of sandwiches, soups, pastries, desserts, and coffee. I only took part in the latter, and it incredibly intense. Like with any coffee, you experience the following:
Tired
INCREDIBLY EFFING AWAKE
The feeling like you’ve had a long day, but you’re also kind of wired too.
Crash — worse than your original fatigue.
The only problem with the caffeine content, is that it’s so extreme, that these transformations all take place within about an hour. Who knew that too much caffeine worked the reverse effect?
My next trip to Miami will consist of eating at David’s. I just hope that it doesn’t make me hungry.

YUM YUM! My friend took me here and I was addicted. I am HUGE fan of cuban food and this place is as awesome.
The orange juice is fresh squeezed and tastes just like a real orange. The café con leche (coffee) is delicious. The hot bread with butter that they serve is GREAT. I ordered the bistec de pollo (friend chicken steak) which was good with rice and beans, also good. I only wished they had red beans. The friend yuca (like french fries) was amazing with the DELICIOUS FANTASTIC YUMMY green cilantro sauce. I could drink this stuff by itself, so good. My friend got the picadillo (ground beef) which was delicious and my other friends got breakfast food which they liked. The service was good and the place is a cute little simple Cuban café, which is pretty well known. I cannot wait to go back!!! I want to try everything on this delicious menu. The buffet did not look too great though.

This is just a simple overall rating!
The Cuban coffee tastes like regular coffee. The Cuban sandwich? It’s nothing special.
The bathroom is filthy. I had to wash my hands with dish washing soap that was on the sink because the dispenser was out of soap! No paper towels either!
Our meal was served to us but we we’re not provided with any utensils.
The waiter was pleasant and the service was great. But I just was not impressed with the food.

Went here for brunch on a Sunday in August during my friend’s bachelorette party. I’m pretty familiar with Cuban food and thought David’s did a pretty decent job, especially in such a touristy area.
My friends all stuck to the basics (Cuban sandwich, Pollo Asado, etc.) but I decided on my favorite Cuban/​South American dish — Masas de Puerco — which are extremely tender fried pieces of pork. On the side I got tostones and yucca and both were fabulous. The salt definitely hit the spot after a big night of drinking. I had a Cuban coffee, which was good, and a few girls had some of the fresh juices. I had a bite of my friend’s Cuban sandwich and I have definitely had better… but it still wasn’t bad.
Next time I’m in Miami, I’d prefer a smaller, less touristy spot, but I still greatly enjoyed my meal.

Approaching David’s Café Cuban Cuisine from Collins I thought it was a little café as the name would indicate, but it isn’t. It’s actually rather large, sort of like a big deco-​ish style cafeteria and as such, not all that cozy, comfy, relaxing or charming. Well, that is at least not from my blue eyed take on it.
The food is of course is Cuban but to me, a Swede who I must admit knows little of Cuban food, rather straight forward Cuban, sort of like a Denny’s might be to American food, with nothing particularly unique or extraordinary about it. However, having been at David’s several times, all of my selection have been very good and of good size; full plate portions.
As for service, the best I can say is ambivalent. Yes, my orders were taken, and then delivered as ordered, but without any smile, kind words or enthusiasm.
The men’s room was a horrid mess, but maybe suffering from a recent attack so I can hardly hold the staff responsible. However, it is the first time I’ve ever gone into a men’s room where the messages were written with lipstick. Hmmm? Possibly the work of one those hairless muscle boys from the beach with the plucked eyebrows?

David’s was my first meal out since my tragic stomach virus. Even if it was just chicken filet and mashed potatoes, I was compelled to it other than from my own kitchen. Besides, I had to meet and catch the sunset with a VIP :) Although I had never gone after hours, reading some of the other reviews I get the impression that this place is like a Cuban version of Denny’s — excellent for post buzz coffee and carbs. That’s probably what I’ll just stop by in the future. The inside décor is pretty cool too.
As far as my healthy meal, the chicken breast was juicy, mariquitas were crisp, and the white rice not greasy. (You notice I’m not getting that poetic as with most of my reviews.) The mashed potatoes were a little dry for my taste, i would have preferred a creamier /​moister version of the mashed.
Most off the loss of stars, then, is from the service or lack thereof. After our meal was served, we didn’t see our waitress until the VIP and I commented to the effect. Then she stopped by and almost word for word asked how our meal was. The restaurant wasn’t particularly packed this Sunday afternoon, a simple check-​in would have earned something beyond the 18% automatic gratuity. The bathroom could have stood some better attention, as it was out of hand towels and I had to request they replace them.