Macita's Colombian Restaurant

Reviews

Name: Cielle Bragin
Occupation: Specialty Coffee Manager
Lives in: Miami
Restaurant Pick: Macitas Colombian Restaurant
Reviewed Macitas Colombian Restaurant: 09/01/11 at 5:00 p.m.

It is quite a drive south to this location, and perhaps it is difficult for new customers to find the restaurant in the middle of the strip mall. But once inside, we were seated immediately and given a booster seat and coloring pages with crayons for my 3-year-old daughter without asking. There were several families with children, and the atmosphere was very relaxed and inviting to have lively conversation without feeling like we were disturbing other guests. My party consisted of myself, my husband, my daughter and 6-month-old son, plus my father-in-law and sister-in-law who were visiting from Panama. After a quick glance at the menu, we were able to find what we wanted immediately. The menu is in Spanish and English and the waitress was bilingual as well, so she was able to answer questions from my father-in-law in Spanish and mine in English. I am learning Spanish and always try to take advantage of places where I feel comfortable practicing the language. This is one of those places. The waitress was very patient, and helped me out with ordering my food.

We ordered carne empanadas for appetizer, and they also gave us tostada (Cuban bread pressed and toasted with butter). Our food came very quickly, but it took a little while to get cutlery for all of us. I ordered the Mixed Grill (steak, chicken, and pork chop) with rice, tostones (fried green plantains) and salad. I ordered the steak medium-rare, and it arrived well done, but it was still tasty. The salad consisted of only romaine, sliced tomato and onion, undressed, but I assume this was typical for Colombian cuisine. My husband was disappointed that they did not have plantanos maduros, which is the ripe, sweet plantain. My father-in-law enjoyed the Bandeja Paisa, which is a platter of the most typical Colombian food, including chorizo (sausage), chicharron (fried pork belly), and steak with a soft-cooked egg on top. All the portions were large and probably could have been shared as an entrée. After we were given our food, we were pretty much left alone by the waitress, and it took some time to get her attention to order coffee and dessert.

We ordered tres leches, a sponge cake soaked in “three milks,” and cortaditos, which is sweetened espresso-like coffee cut with a little steamed milk, which was delicious, but we never received our tres leches. We had finished the coffee, the kids were cranky, so we forwent the dessert. We were given the check in a timely manner. Everyone left full and satisfied.

Name: Robert Polk
Occupation: Human Resources Consultant
Lives in: Miami
Restaurant Pick: La Brochette Bistro
Reviewed Macita’s Colombian Restaurant: 09/05/11

The restaurant is located in a huge shopping mall (20-30 stores) in the Perrine area along South Dixie Highway. The mall is very typical to Miami (Publix Super market, Chucky Cheese, Mattress Discounter, etc…). The outside of the restaurant is completely unassuming with blackout tinted windows. The signage is neon and colorful with the same colors of the Colombian Flag. Once you step inside, however, you feel as though you’re dining abroad in Colombia. The tables along the wall looked like they were small verandas with barrel tile roofs overhanging. In the SE corner was a stage, with a similar awning. There was no entertainment this evening, but they do have live music on the weekends. The walls were colorfully decorated with paintings depicting rural scenes. The din of Latin music could be heard from the overhead speakers. There is a bakery on the premises which occupies about 1/3 of the floor space, offering a huge selection of baked Colombian goods and desserts.

We arrived on Monday evening about 8pm as walk-ins. Reservations were not required. The place was busy with only a handful of tables open. We were a group of five (2 adults/3 kids) and were seated almost immediately. The hostess/waitress’ Spanish accent was very heavy, but understandable. If you struggle with the EnglishàSpanish language barrier, consider it before going. This is the kind of place frequented by diners’ familiar with Columbian food and pastries. Diners this evening included couples and families…everyone having a good time.

Our waitress took our drink orders, water, sodas and I ordered a bottle of Aguila Beer, a lager brand from Colombia. I enjoyed it. It reminded me of a Stella Artois or a DosXX; full of flavor but not too heavy on the hops flavor imported beers can have.

We started off with a platter of “Antojitos Macitas” or fried appetizers consisting of: “Tostones” (green plantains), “Yuca frito” or Yuca fries, “Criollitas” or fried whole new potatoes, and mozzarella sticks. We also tried the grilled Chorizo and Morcilla (blood) sausages and “Chicharon” or fried pork rinds. For my entrée, I ordered Shrimp in Garlic Sauce. The shrimp were sautéed and smothered in a creamy yellow garlic sauce. It was served with white rice, “Maduros”…or sweet plantains, and a choice of black/red beans or salad (as were all of the entrees). I ordered the salad. The garlic sauce is definitely for garlic lovers and had a nice blend of creaminess, lemon and garlic flavors.

My girlfriend ordered the “Pargo a la plancha” or grilled snapper and the same side items (rice, beans & salad). The snapper was fresh, flaky, seasoned with salt/pepper and lime…. and very moist. My teenage daughter ordered the Baby Churrasco (grilled skirt steak) with rice, black beans and Maduros. The steak was ordered medium rare and arrived cooked perfectly; pink in the middle, charred on the edges. My youngest daughter ordered “Pollo a la Plancha” or grilled chicken breast. It was served with grilled onions on top, rice & beans and Tostones. My girlfriend’s son had eaten earlier at a friend’s house, but ordered a plate of French fries, which he devoured.

We ordered Flan for dessert. It was buttery soft and drizzled with the caramel sauce. Good to the last bite.

Overall, we had an enjoyable dining experience. The food was flavorful but be forewarned: the portion sizes will leave room for leftovers. I ate mine for lunch today. This is an authentic family-style Colombian restaurant. The menu offers traditional specialties indigenous to Colombia. Macita’s serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and from the looks of the patronage, stays busy. If you’re not paying attention, you could drive right by it, but once you find your way inside, your dining experience will be an enjoyable one. The staff is very friendly and quick to recommend specialties if you’re having trouble deciding. For a taste of Colombia, visit Macita’s Restaurant & Bakery. Bien proviso!!!

Name: Claudia Romani
Occupation: Model/Actress
Lives in: Miami
Restaurant Pick: Lifefood Gourmet
Reviewed Macita’s Colombian Restaurant: 09/03/11 at 5:00 p.m.

Very nice, affordable, family oriented restaurant. You can eat good food and have a good time without feeling guilty once you get the check!!

It was quite a drive from South Beach to Macita’s and getting there, we were not that impressed, as it is located in a commercial complex and doesn’t look so great from the outside. Once we got in though, we were positively surprised by the Latin atmosphere and by how many people were there!

We got seated right away and the waiter could speak some English. Once again, as I visited the restaurant with 2 friends, we decided to share a few plates in order to get some variety. We tried to stay on the traditional side, ordering Arepa con queso, Yuca, Colombian platter (with meat separated) and of course sweet Plantain. We got some pineapple juice, which was impressive: tasty, fresh.
We also got Aguila, Colombian beer. The drinks were served with some tasty flat bread.

Our food wasn’t coming, so we asked again and it came immediately which we didn’t understand as it means it was ready but...? Anyway, the Arepa was good and the cheese too. Yuca was ok, you could really taste the fried oil though.
The platter included soup, rice, eggs, meat and plantain.

The meat eaters really liked the meat/egg plate. Personally, I liked the rice even if it was a bit sticky and the plantain was very well done, even though having ordered some more as a sort of dessert, it became too much.

We got the check and we could not believe how inexpensive it was for so much quantity and quality food as well. The Latin music was nice and overall we would definitely be going back even though it is not a light dinner!!

Restaurant Information