Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine - Broward/Palm Beach

Taste: ****

Cost: $

We had our wedding rehearsal here and I'm glad we did. The food was very good. Kim actually thought the lechon was better than at Don Ramones, but I think the Vaca Frita is definitely not as good as the Don (though still good). I had the churrasco and it was very good. Everyone seemed to love all their dishes and the service and price were excellent. Will have to try some more things on the menu!

There are various locations but we went to the Delray Beach one.

1715 South Federal Highway, Delray Beach, FL‎ - (561) 278-2133‎

Taverna Kyma

Taste: ****

Cost: $$

Went here for lunch, nice place, great outdoor seating. The serving size was massive for lunch. I had the Gyro and it was very good. My buddy had the chicken Pita and though he couldn't answer my question on how it tasted bc his mouth was full, I'm sure he loved it. Will have to come back and further explore the menu.

6298 N Federal Highway

Boca Raton, FL 33487

(561) 994-2828

Charm City Burger Company - Broward/Palm Beach

Taste: ****

Cost: $$

One of the best burgers I've had in a long time. Good blend, ordered Med, should of gone medium rare as the beef was very flavorful. Everything here is just the extra mile. They could of used canned mushrooms, they were fresh and sauteed. The could of used microwave bacon, it was thick cut, perfectly fried. I had the cowboy burger with the added fried egg (genius) as I didn't want to wreck my diet too much with a big sloppy. Should of went with sweet potato fries, but went with o-rings. A bit too greasy and the batter was a tad cakey as I prefer mine more lightly fried. with a thinner coat, but to their compliment they use some great sweet vadalias. Will definitely have to go back after the wedding when I'm not on a diet and explore the menu more thoroughly.

1136 E. Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

954-531-0300

CharHut (Broward/Palm Beach)

Taste: **
Price: $$$

I'm really torn between giving this place 2 or 3 stars. The burger is good, it tastes like a better quality burger king burger, nice smokiness, good quality. The only thing is the price... a bit more expensive than a dine in burger at over 7 bucks! Yes it had good flavor, good char, and they cook to order, but that still doesn't justify the price. I spent 8 bucks on a burger with no drink or fries. Still, its better than fast food, but you're better off going to fuddruckers for a burger. If you're in a bind, with money burning in your pocket, give it a try.

www.charhut.com

Kyojin (Miami, Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $$

I've been to both the Kyojins in Boca and Miami and I've always walked away... barely able to walk away. I eat myself stupid here. The Boca location has a great hibachi station and grill station. The meat is actually very good, while the sushi quality, is edible, its not super fresh tasting. The Miami location, has an ok grill (a bit bland), but the sushi here is surprisingly edible. I mean tasty. I ventured to eat rolls like eel, rainbow, and edo style with good results. So if you have a big appetite, definitely you'll get your money's worth here one way or another.

Hurricane Grill and Wings (West Palm, Various Locations)

Taste: **
Cost: $

This place isn't that bad really, but it gets docked a point for not allowing me to split my order of 15 wings into 2 different flavors. There are a ton of different wing flavors but I settled for their Parmesan garlic. The wings were cooked well (how hard is it to fry something). I would of liked a bit more flavor from the parmesan and garlic though. Overall it was tasty though. I also had an order of sweet potato fries which were ok. I personally twice fry my sweet potato fries to ensure crispiness. Theirs was stuffed into a box with some honey type sauce on it. Some were kind of crispy, but most were a tad limp, but they were still tasty. I'd prolly goto a sports bar like Duffy's or Alehouse for wings in the future but if I need some take out wings, this place isn't bad.

China Sea (West Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Great chinese food for the price. Its your standard fare of take out chinese food just done very well with good portion sizes. Its not quite NY style, but its good enough. I was torn between the 2 or 3 start rating, but if you factor in price, it has to be 3. The sesame , general tso's honey garlic, chickens are all great. The beef and broccoli/garlic/mongolian/etc... are all great. If you just want a snack, 10 crab rangoons are only like 5 bucks.

1196 Royal Palm Beach Blvd
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Ruth's Chris (Miami, West Palm)

Taste: ****
Cost: $$$

As far as consistency goes, this place always produces. They have their broiler times down to a science and you can expect the same quality of steak every time. Some might consider their steaks a tad on the salty side, but thats how I like mine. Get the filet, bone in rib-eye, or porterhouse without any fancy sauces like au poivre. The "famous" potatoes au gratin aren't so famous in my opinion; go with the lyonnaise potatoes for an excellent side. Nothing really jumped out at me when it came to appetizers, so don't fret, you're already spending 30+ bucks for an entre' already, WITHOUT a side.

Various locations

Duffy's Sports Grill (Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

This is my defacto sports bar! Every location I've been to has been nice and clean, and from any seat I'm able to watch every game thats going on. The wings are great, my favorite would have to be the garlic wings (be sure to skip the asian bbq ones). The burgers actually decent and isn't from frozen. The nachos are ok, not your traditional ones, they use fried flatbread, i just wish there was more of them. Be sure to grab a Duffy's MVP card, during a happy hour, we once got PAID to ear there due to double points. This is not gourmet, but they do what they intend to do very well and beer makes everything taste better anyways... Cheers!

Cheeburger Cheeburger (Palm Beach)

Taste: ***
Cost: $

Ahh this place has finally been dethroned as my favorite burger joint but not without a fight. They started the whole 1 pound burger concept and upped the ante with their 2 pounder. The burgers come however you want it with a huge topping list. I'd say the patties here are bit over seasoned and the true beefy taste doesn't quite come through as well as Fuddruckers. The Frings combo is deadly and the milkshake is spot on. A great diner atmosphere and a great burger, I'll have to come back here again if I can manage to tear myself away from the cheese fountain at Fuddruckers.

460 S Rosemary Ave
West Palm Beach, FL

Mississippi Sweets BBQ Co. (Palm Beach)

Taste: **
Cost: $$

With such a clever name you would expect some top notch BBQ? The execution here is good at times but it seems the owners have gotten complacent how the Tom's BBQ moved out of Boca. The ribs have a nice savory style sauce with an obvious kick of sweetness, its just how the ribs are cooked is the problem. I'm often to find a rib thats just a bit over charred or a piece thats a bit tough. On a whole its not bad and if I'm craving for BBQ in Boca this is where I go. Their name is akin to their sweet potato chips which are very good and abundant. Go ahead and order extra, you won't be disappointed. Theres so much potential here its such a shame to see them rest on their laurels.

2399 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL

D'Best Sandwich Shop (Palm Beach)

Taste: *****
Cost: $$

Like the name says, it is the most amazing Philly cheesesteak you will eat south of Philadelphia. The rib eye is hand cut and every ingredient they use is fresh. In fact I've been to Geno's and I'd have to say D'Best ranks up there damn near close. You can have it any style, but I like the Cheese Wiz, mushroom and onions combo. Their sandwiches are nothing to joke abuot either. Most notably is D'Pilgrim. It is literally thanksgiving between bread. They actually roast whole turkeys in the morning and carve them up. Its topped with some stuffing, gravy, a touch of mayo and cranberry sauce to top. If I had a cheesesteak for lunch, I'm definitely getting D'Pilgrim for dinner.

5201 N. Dixie Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487

Kebob Mediterrainean Grill (Delray)

Taste: ****
Cost: $

An amazing find. The gyro, adana, baby lamb, kefka and chicken are amazing. Huge portions, opt for the bulgur as a side and you have a great meal on your hands. Really well seasoned meats. I suggest you opt for the family sample platter and find which one of their meats REALLY does it for you. The tzatziki sauce is like liquid crack. Awesome. Their prices cannot be beat.

1676 S. Federal Highway
Delray Beach, FL 33483

Beanies (Boca Raton)

Taste: ****
Cost: $$

Lemon artichoke sandwich. Beanies has managed to take 2 food items I don't particularly care for and crafted one of the most amazing sandwiches I've ever had. Their aeoli and chicken are just perfect when paired. I honestly love the sandwich so much I have not tried another on the menu. Their twice baked potato though is a massive meal in itself. They scoop out the potato, mix some buttermilk and butter, stuff it in with the toppings of your choice and rebake. Excellent! Like all things in Boca, its a bit pricier but well worth it.

Located on the outskirts of Mizner Park by the Post Office

Memphis BBQ and Blues formerly Tom's Place BBQ (Palm Beach)

Taste: ****
Cost: $

Revised:
They can change the name but not the ribs. This place is still Tom's but with a little something missing. Maybe I'm being nostalgic, but the ribs were a bit smaller in portion. Maybe I'm a bit slighted, bc I had finally filled up the buy 6 get 1 free card and the new management wouldn't honor it. The food is still pretty good, but I miss Tom's. I miss the Anquan Boldin autographed jersey, and the history.

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From what I hear, Tom's used to be even better than the incarnation I dined at in West Palm. The original location in Boca before they moved up to West Palm I heard was unbelievably amazing. I'm sorry but Tom's BBQ hands down has some of the best BBQ I've ever had. The ribs are tender and their sliced beef is lip smacking. That sauce of theirs, even makes BBQ chicken (which I vehemently hate) taste great. The sides are nothing to write home about and are actually quite bland with exception to their cornbread muffins. Everything is served on a hot plate and I guarantee you will leave there fat and happy. I'm getting hungry, going to head there this weekend in fact... The location is on the border of a sketchy neighborhood, but I just don't go there when the sun is down so theres no problem!

1225 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd
West Palm Beach, FL

Fratelli's (Palm Beach)

Taste:
Cost: -$

This has got to be one of the worst places I've ever eaten in my life and I paid over 50 bucks for 2 people. The calamari was rubbier than the tires on my trucks, the salads we got we soaking wet, that the water on the leaves watered down the worst caesar dressing I've ever had. My Osso Bucco was completely flavorless, devoid of any redeeming qualities (even my dog had issues eating it). Kim's pasta was a mess, over done with butter, and it still didn't taste acceptable. HOW CAN YOU MESS UP WITH THAT MUCH BUTTER? Stay away at all costs, please!

Yu Mi (Palm Beach)

Taste: ****
Cost: $$

Update 5/25/09

Went here recently for dinner. The prices have come down and the quality has gone up. All the fish was incredibly fresh and well prepared and our favorite rolls were spot on perfect. Tokyo Love Story roll was especially delicious. The Escola (white tuna) was like butter.

*************************************

4 Years ago I would of given this 4 stars, but in recent years the fish quality hasn't really dropped, but the tightness of the rolls has. Sometimes they fall apart a bit and thats a major no-no for me. The roles are still tasty, but compared to my Akashi back home, this place is over charging. Still a nice place, and so long as the fish is fresh I can't really complain. Their dynamite roll here is good though, in fact its probably my favorite here, that and the crunch roll. I know its blasphemous to enjoy the cooked rolls more, but the raw rolls just aren't constructed well and the crunch roll while fried is still raw anyways.

2800 N Military Trl
West Palm Beach, FL 33409

Don Ramon's (Palm Beach)

Taste: ****
Cost: $

Another one of the staples for me when I get homesick for Miami (hah, yeah right...). Don Ramons offers up a great menu at a low price. Their portions on some dishes are excellent, while others leave you wanting more. The Lechon Asado is a must have. Do not goto the Wellington location as they prepare this dish differently. The skin is crispy, the pork is succulent before they shred it up with the mini onions that just burst with the lovely mojo flavor. If I get bored with the Lechon (not likely) the Vaca Frita is another show stopper. The meat is boiled with lots of flavor, then fried to a perfect crisp. They really know how to take a crappy piece of meat and make it wonderful. The rice and beans are good, really second to only my dads, and the plantains are great. I haven't really ventured off the menu too much here, but I'd imagine it to taste just as good.

502 S Military Trl
West Palm Beach, FL 33415

A1 Thai (Palm Beach)

Taste: ****
Cost: $

This place has become a staple for me and Kim. The food is delicious, unpretentious and tasty. Their chicken wings are an excellent starter and a must have, and their mee krob is how I like em; nice and sweet. As far as entres are concerned the Beef Garlic, Pad Thai, Soy Sauce Noodles, Sweet and Sour Fish, Beef and Oyester Sauce I can vouch for as delicious. The menu is not as extensive as some other places, but they pick a few things and do them extremely well. A note about the service... especially in the Royal Palm location... Tommy and the guys there are... interesting? They will tease you, lock you out, make semi-rude comments, the whole act. I think its hilarious and we've built a great reproir with them over the last 7 years. I've seen people get offended and well, its their loss anyways. Dirt cheap and always consistent, thats what keeps us coming back.

1232 Royal Palm Beach Blvd
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Ernesto's Taco Shop (Miami, Delray, Various Locations)

Taste: ****
Cost: $

This place originally started as Roberto's Taco Stand, and I stumbled upon it late at night (open 24) on my moped. When it was Roberto's the food was great! Coming back after 4 years, its not under new ownership but its almost the same. The big star here is the Chimichanga. Its still absolutely delicious. A burrito, extra cheese, refried beans, carne asada, guacamole, and some veggies then deep fried... The Chimichanga is a 3 star, but everything else is just ok. I think back when it was Roberto's everything was just a tad more tastier but maybe my palate has evolved. If you're around town and looking for a late night snack, definitely worth a try!

8845 SW 107th Ave
Miami, FL 33176