Reviews for Original Rio Cristal in Miami, FL
Going there since 1994 for the palomilla steak and tostones. Today I was disappointed at the steak and tostones, steak had no... taste and the tostones looked liked an oversize mariquitas. Cleanliness left a lot to be desired, salt and pepper shakers werefilthy and rusted! Wow, what a change since it was reopened after covid in 2020! Read more
If I feel like eating a Cuban steak, (I don't eat meat often), this is the place....if you are willing to pay 22$ for a very... thin steak n a mountain of fries....I do!!! Their palomilla steak, thin n delicious with tons of raw onions n parsley....and themountain of fries...you can't go wrong and a few slices of lime.......it's a family restaurant not a fancy place, but I won'teat this type of bistec y papitas anywhere else!!!! Gracias.... Read more
I ate here alot in the 80's. If anyone remembers Lilas Rio Cristal was owned by then. I always came fir the Rio Cristal Steak... and fries. Was craving this out of the blue. Still has that 80's look. Old School. Definitely hit the spot. Will Co e back forthe same steak and fried next month. Big Portuons and fairy priced. Bottle of Castillo del Diablo for $20. Flank was reallygood. Good casual dining Read more
The place has an old school feel to it. The waitress was very personable and had suggestions on what we should order. Clean, ... and no real suggestion of filthiness. The food was cuban cafeteria food, although a touch above the average fair you find inMiami. The black beans tasted homemade, although I did pick up a hint of raw garlic (maybe I'm mistaken). The steak was biggerand a bit thicker than a palomilla and was well seasoned. Rice was clean and fluffy and well cooked. Overall would reccomend atleast one visit. One final thing...they serve a TON of french fries so come hungry. Read more
Miami people breathed a sigh of relief when Rio Cristal announced that they would be reopening and not closing their doors... permanently. The dishes are large and delicious, from the breaded steak ro the famous Bistec Rio Cristal, a huge palomilla steakcovered by a mountain of crispy French fries. The staff are friendly and engaging to everyone. Believe it or not, today I sawfirst- timers leaving and the wife told her husband to take a picture of the front so they wouldn't forget it. Winner winneramazing streak dinner! Read more
What a little gem. I was aimlessly scrolling through Instagram looking at different food reels getting myself hungrier like a... weirdo, when I came across a video of this gentle old man who was in the brink of tears thanking all of Miami for allowing hisbusiness to survive in this crisis. At that very moment my soul was crying for a nice flank steak and I needed to show mysupport after watching that heartwarming video. So I was off to the races! I immediately picked up my phone and called therestaurant, but it seemed like everyone was trying to place an order at the same time since I kept getting a busy line. After mythird attempt I was able to get through, and a kind lady took my order and apologized in advanced for the long wait time sincethey were SLAMMED with orders. She advised me it would take anywhere from 40min-1hour, which is expected after that video wentviral and many others were looking to show there support as well. Oddly enough, it made me happy to hear that my wait time waslong if it meant they had a lot of business. Upon arriving they had the entrance blocked off by a table where people couldapproach and ask for their order since the entire restaurant was closed from the inside. All the employees were wearing masksincluding the cooks I could see from afar, and they also maintained proper social distancing. The entire staff was extremelyfriendly from the moment I picked up the phone till all the way until I got my food. It was absolutely awesome. I ended upordering the rio crystal steak with fries(a real classic), a grilled chicken with fries(very juicy and tender), and a side orderof white rice. The moment I took my first bite of the steak, I was doing my happy food dance which equates to a delicious andflavorful experience. But more importantly the fries were still crispy and drenched with the juices of the flank steak that justdeserves a proper chefs kiss. Overall I?m so glad I made the decision to check them out and I advise anyo Read more
No frills..Best steak and French fries in town. Consistent!!!Has not changed a thing and that is what I love about this place.... Over 50 years.Friendly staff and it?s like you are served by your grandma! Food was quick to arrive and freshly done. You wanthigh end or fusion, go somewhere else. You want authentic Cuban food, then check it out. If you had a bad experience, let themknow. Come back and give a try. They must be doing something right if they have been around for so long. Read more
Been coming here years. Food hasn?t changed, and I?m glad. Still that original amazing flavor you can?t find at any Cuban... restaurant. Read more