Amid the fancy steakhouses, swanky sushi bars and tapas-style restaurants that flood Miami, you will also find hole-in-the-wall taquerías, family-run Latin bakeries and more hidden gems that will send you to food nirvana without breaking the bank. Palacio de los Jugos is one of those places. What started as a simple fruit stand ran by a Cuban-American couple over forty years ago has now become a city icon with six outposts and plans for even more this year.
If it’s your first visit to this roadside eatery, chances are it might be a little confusing and maybe even intimidating. Simply put, there are independent counters scattered around the market selling different types of food, from a variety of juices and chicharrones (fried pork rinds) to rice and seafood dishes. There are even fresh fruits and vegetables to bring home with you, along with a man cracking fresh coconuts for an instant refreshing drink.
Palacio de los Jugos translates to “Juice Palace” and here, the fresh fruit juices really do reign supreme. There are over fifteen types to choose between, from tropical mango and passion fruit to orange, pineapple and papaya. Each rings in at a mere $2.
This is a great place to pick up food for big group gatherings when seeking plenty of variety and huge portions at an amazing price point; however, it’s also prime for a quick lunch with friends. You can never go wrong with one of their sandwiches whether you crave a traditional Cuban sandwich ($5), juicy pan con lechon (pulled pork sandwich, $4) or flavorful frita cubana (Cuban hamburger, $4).
Other favorites include their sweet plantains and fried yucca, mixed seafood rice and flan. Everything is served no-frills in a Styrofoam container, making it easy to take on the go or to sit down at a table to relax.
A medianoche (Cuban midnight sandwich) and mango juice with tostones (fried green plantains) on the side creates an ideal Miami meal that makes any diner feel like a true local… Go ahead and venture off the beaten path to Palacio de los Jugos today.
By Food Blogger, Cassie Glenn
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