Gerardo’s Marketplace

This is a nice little shop in the center of town.
I’ve walked by this place a dozen of times and it was always closed because of the short hours so I was never able to walk in.
After reading the reviews I walked in looking to get a deli sandwich with my family.
The store is well stocked with gab and go fruits and chips. Nice salad bar and drink selection.
The menu is confusing and there was no meal specials that I had saw. I got a chicken salad wrap made to order. We sat outside to enjoy our meal and the best part of this place is the little squirrel that obviously has been hand fed for quite some time. He will happily share your lunch.
The wrap was good but I wished there were a combo meal or a clearer menu available.

I LOVE this place! This is my go-​to place a couple of times a week. Great hot food, sandwiches and an amazing salad bar with a great selection. They also have an assortment of chips, snacks, smoothies and desserts. Plus they also have fresh fruit. You can’t beat that! Something for everyone. Oh, and the staff is always friendly and helpful.

When we first walked in we thought it was closed even though it was 11 am. My fiancé ordered breakfast and told us they charge an extra $ 1 for breakfast after 11. Okay not sure what that does for your business but whatever. Then they didn’t have any bagels in stock — it was Saturday. I asked for roasted red peppers on my sandwich, which they didn’t have in stock either. The food was just okay. I’ve heard this place is a staple in Miami Lakes. In my opinion it’s nothing to write home about.

Always fresh, delicious and the services is amazing! I love this place!!!
They have a huge salad bar to build your own salad as well as hot, home made melas at lunch time.
Just a little secret, the ropa vieja here is to die for! Do are the lentils. Everything is delicious!

Although Miami Lakes is basically an extension of Hialeah on Ludlam Road heading north, I rarely go up that way. Very close to me in theory but, too much traffic to get there. The only times you’ll see me up that way are the times that I’m going to the movie theater on Main Street. Today, I was up there to see yet another «documentary» about dinosaurs. Yet another rewrite of an old movie making sure people know that building a theme park consisting of real «brought back to the living» dinosaurs is never a good idea. But, that has nothing to do with this Unilocal.
Anyway, before heading up there today, I went on Twitter and asked my followers for help finding a place to eat in Miami Lakes. I specifically mentioned how I would prefer a locally owned establishment. See, Miami Lakes is known to have many nice places for dining. Honestly? In my opinion? They are hit or miss restaurants and/​or large franchises. I wanted, the same way I prefer anywhere I go, something local.
Looky here, looky here, looky here… one of my followers showed-​up by recommending Gerardo’s Marketplace. I hope you read this Unilocal because I am talking about you. THANKS!
Although this business is not perfect by any means, it was a wonderful recommendation and exactly what I was looking for today after watching a documentary on how dinosaurs are always hungry and how Humans are on the top of their pyramid food list.
Things to note and blah, blah, blahs:
* Parking — plenty of it in this area. If you can’t find any directly in front of this business, curbside is an option. Plenty of spots in front, though.
* Location — This isn’t on Main Street itself. It’s on one of the curvy side roads on the outskirts of Main Street. Sorry, I can’t remember the name of the street this is on right now. Something about either a barn or a bull or «something» to that effect? From the theater, on foot, walking slowly enjoying the storefront displays on the way here, it took me exactly six minutes/​34 seconds to reach this business. Yes, I’m anal. I timed myself.
* The salad bar here looks amazing with all the options a person who is all like, «look at me… I only eat rabbit food» would enjoy. Small, but, with all the right options. It was already well after two in the afternoon and it looked very fresh and ready to eat. Nothing was wilting or changing colors. I’m having a salad next time.
* There is plenty of seating here. Both inside and out.
* This business is steadily busy throughout the afternoon with customers that have already been here that drive-​up to pick-​up their order. Judging by the way they were dressed, they are people that work in the area that came to get their lunch.
* I had their French Connection Sandwich and it was delicious. Toasted the right way on a baguette with just the right amount of everything.
* This business has a great story online. Read it. You will enjoy it and appreciate it more.
* Prices are as expected for this type of business in this location. They are not outrageous.
* This is not a restaurant in the literal sense. You get your food, pay at the cashier and if you like, you can eat there. If you choose to eat there they have everything you’ll need, e.g., napkins, plastic ware, etc.
* They cater and I would consider them for that.
* Check their website, hours of operation are limited.
* Breakfast advertized as now being served here.
* Aquí se entiende español
This is where it’s not «perfect:»
* Cute little place and concept. It just needs some updating «here» and «there.» They even have small shopping carts.
* You walk inside through the sliding glass doors and unless you have been here before, you don’t know what the Hell to do. I had to ask the cashier. She gave me a rundown on the joint. After that, it made total sense.
* This business is starting to show its age. Some areas, even though they were indeed clean, just don’t look clean because the coolers, the floors, the shelves, the counters and more, have seen better days.
* Too many fake plants in an health conscious business. In my opinion, of course. I mean, that’s all they have. They are tacky and they need to go. Sorry, I hate fake plants.
* Selling produce out of the slightly wet deteriorating boxes they came in; no. That’s not very Miami Lakes of you. Nice red bell peppers, though.
* The table cloths in the dining area need to be changed. Too much grease already embedded into them.
* I saw her make my sandwich. The proper cleanliness was followed. The outside of the wrapper on my sandwich, however, was slimy with product. Had I not seen her make it and known otherwise, I would have returned it. It was oil or melted butter. I’m not sure.
* The pictures on their website, where this looks like a mini-​Whole Foods, are misleading.
* This is definitely a place I shall return to. I may even go shopping. Them red bell peppers I saw were tempting. I just didn’t need one today.
#KeepItLocal #MiamiLakes

I love going there since they have great variety of foods, drinks and healthy snacks. They have great choices for a salad bar, though it can be a bit pricey. Also for the health conscious, they have awesome fresh fruit and vegetable juices made just they way you want. Finally, they have really nice soups of the day, which are tasty and quite healthy. Can’t go wrong making this your lunch hangout.

This is my favorite place for lunch. They have a salad bar (where you make your own), they have hot section (fish and meet balls are awesome) and sandwiches are to die.
Staff are super friendly…
Love it!!!

Small hidden market with a great salad bar! A ton of variety at the salad bar and very fresh. My husband had Cajun chicken sandwich which he enjoyed. Although they said they had fresh squeezed lemonade, it’s just lemon juice blended with ice — more like an icy which I’m not a huge fan of but it was fast, fresh and close. We will be back.

My boyfriend just picked up this hoagie from your place and the meatballs were plain. They had no marina sauce on them and when my boyfriend ask for some the guy was plain rude and only said no. No explanation was given.
Italian Meatball Hoagie
Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce and
melted Provolone Cheese on a Hoagie.
THUMBS DOWN!!! Will definitely not be returning!!!

Really cool little secret we have here. Delicious fresh ingredients. The French connection sandwich is amazing! I like that it’s like a little market and that it’s so down home. Makes Miami lakes feel very «small town».

Came here after reading the reviews, I have to say I think that they must be related to the owner. Worst deli in town… I pay $ 23 for two subs… over price. If u r around this area please don’t pass by Gerardo’s eat a hot dog at a gas station at least there ull get ur pallets exited.

This is one of those hidden little gems that you forget is there, but when you remember, you do a little happy dance. I really like this place. It’s so different from anything else that this area has to offer, so it’s nice to have that alternative!
This is a mom & pop market that has been around since I can remember. It’s really quaint and has a homey, familiar feel to it. Plus, everything is fresh!
There are several wraps and sandwiches to choose from — I personally try to stay healthy and just have turkey on a spinach wrap. And aside from their yummy wraps, they have a salad bar (they also have cold pasta salads), soups, and sell their own desserts (love those chocolate chip cookies!). They also have organic stuff and foods I don’t normally see in grocery stores like Publix; you can say it’s like a Whole Foods — only much smaller!
There’s an area sectioned off with tables so you can eat right there and to prove how mom and pop this place is, there’s a microwave set up for you to warm your food. Oh, and the owner is the one who usually rings me up, just adding to the whole mom & pop feel!
A nice lunch spot, indeed!

I think you just get a little healthier walking into this place! I can tell you this you’ll definitely feel better leaving here.
Great small grocery store. They don’t have a huge variety but you will be able to find great fruits and vegetables. In reality, this place is all about their food. Fresh offerings in a great environment. Variety is truly key here: fresh salad bar sold by the pound, Hot food and gourmet sandwiches.
I’ve been a customer for years and the family, warm and inviting service is really what gives that excellent level of service.

Great salad bar and fresh food for lunch, it’s a little hidden gem in Miami Lakes :)
The staff is ALWAYS super nice, which is a plus!

Love Gerardo’s!
Been coming here since I was 3 feet tall! Such a warm and inviting market. Since it’s family owned and operated, if you become a regular, they’ll know you by name.
Their salad bar is great for lunch and their sandwiches are mouth-​watering! Nice outside seating in the quiet Miami Lakes. Indoor seating is available too!

Overpriced… most definitely.
But the food is worthwhile. They have a great deli selection, and delicious tomato soup which warms the soul. The have a unique selection of foods as well, and I could see how this place has found it’s niche. Old white people love overpaying for stuff like this.
Make sure you get the veggie chips… dried out sweet potatoes, green beans, and carrots. Perfect accompaniment to a piping hot bowl of soup!

I have been coming to this market for a little over a year now. It is setup as more of a deli now than a market, however they do have a limited amount of «gourmet» food items. The star is of course their fresh food, however.
I love their fried fish — crispy, but with very little breading. It is extremely popular and regularly sells out before 1 PM, so if you’re in the mood for fish, you’ll definitely want to get there early. There are also many other hot and cold food options, sandwiches and a salad bar.
If I had written this review about six months ago, I would have rated this a five star establishment. The owners have always been very accomodating and friendly, and the food quality is wonderful.
HOWEVER
There is one worker there, a woman who works behind the hot food counter, who is always extremely rude to me. I have been going less and less (down to only once every month or two) to avoid having to deal with this woman. I have blue eyes, and every time I walk to the counter she gives me a snooty look, asks what I want, and then goes on and on about how I have lovely eyes but that people with blue eyes go blind faster and are more prone to cataracts.
And then — when I’m walking away from the counter, she starts yelling to the owner at the cashier about «don’t forget to charge her an extra dollar» and «did you hear me? she ordered a premium side, make sure you charge her the dollar!».
She never fails to annoy me with these things. Okay… end of rant.
If you’re lucky enough to get the young, dark haired girl or one of the men, then you will absolutely love this place. They are dolls.
However if you have to deal with the older woman, I guess just grin and bear it. The food is usually worth the abuse.

I remember walking into this place once several years ago and commenting on what a wasted space it was. The store had sparse offerings and there was no real focus to the place… it was like a health food/​gourmet food store stocked with a bunch of expensive stuff than no one wants. This has changed.
This has turned into a decent lunch place with hot food and cold sandwich offerings. There is even a selection of cold pastas and salad. The food itself is wholesome (but it could use some creativity). It seems like a mom and pop place so don’t expect a high end deli. It would also be nice if the place was open past 5pm.
The interior of the store continues to have a lot of wasted retail space. It has a lot of potential but it is filled with five rows of shelves stocked with obscure gift basket type items (crackers, chips, juices). Forget the health kick… let’s stock some wine, micro beers, chocolate, expensive coffee, fresh bread, quality deli items ect. Miami Lakes is filled with people with money who would gladly pay for these things… Give us decadence!

Really wanted to love this place. Very cute place, clean, stocked with many great healthy choices.
Our experience went like this:
Stood by the great big chalkboard trying to figure out what to order.
I wanted the «French Connection» but they told me they were out of Brie cheese. O.K. not a problem. So I decided on the Cuban sandwich, hubby ordered the tuna sandwich.
I noticed the guy making my sandwich was squirting lots of mustard on the bread of my cuban. Shoot, forgot to tell him no mustard, my fault. (do not like mustard) mayo kinda gal…
So my husband jumped in and said «oh so sorry can you wipe some mustard off, my wife forgot to ask for no mustard» He looked a little irritated by this, took the bread and wiped some off. Surprised that he did not offer a new piece of bread, nothing other than the mustard was on it. But it was my fault so no biggy.
It was raining hard so we sat inside to eat. We were busy talking and I was hungry so just trying to get through the mustard taste, just kept eating the sandwich. I got to the second half of the sandwich and decided to open it up because it just did not taste like a cuban to me. Well I realized it wasn’t. It was simply lots of ham, cheese and plenty mustard and pickle. They completly forgot the pork…:(
What is a cuban sandwich without pork? Let me tell you, it is just a ham and cheese sandwich. After eating half, I was not going to take it back. So, when we left, I decided to tell the sweet young cashier on our way out. Young girl, very nice, she said sorry and looked a little shocked.
Sadly, you can tell the owners were not in the establishment and just felt like the service was lacking and obviously the food.
When the big cheese is away, the mouse will play, that was our impression. Other than the sweet cashier, the other staff members, were just blah…
This was just not a good day for them but can’t say I would return…

Real Mom & Pop — I mean the mom works the cashier, pop can always be found and even their kids are getting to work and by the second time you come in they will recognize you
It is a small, health market with lots of products that I have never seen anywhere else in Miami and more… oh much more
Wraps and Sandwiches — Big ass chalk board filled with different kinds My favorite? haven’t tried them all but haven’t had a bad one yet
Soups — they have soups but unless I’m sick with a tummy ache, I stay away
Salad Bar — $ 5.29 a pound, at least 40 different options with six home made dressings, fresh croutons of all sorts (as I get older, I am amazed that when someone says «bar» — salad bar is what I think of)
In all honesty, if this place was on the beach or some of the other hipster area around town I would be the fortieth person giving this little slice of awesomeness five stars
but
since most don’t know anything west of I-​95 I am the lucky one that gets to have the blue First to Review
Crown it!