La Bodeguita del Medio

Cool restaurant. I got the Arroz con Pollo, It was good + filled me up. Appetizer was a special - Chicken Empanadas, which were great. The mocktail was right up my alley, Honey Bee Hibiscus. Service was excellent, I'll be back soon.

Just had lunch at that place on California Avenue in Palo Alto. It was buzzing – definitely busy! We snagged a table pretty quickly. The portions were generous, especially for the price. I got the Ropa Vieja and it was really good, super flavorful. Parking was a breeze on the street. Maybe they could offer a little more variety in the drinks menu, but overall a solid spot.

Went in at 2pm on a Friday. No problems parking at a free street parking. We were immediately seated as soon as we arrived. Food was lovely. Ordered Camarones Pequeños (small fried breaded shrimp) as an appetizer, Ropa Vieja (braised shredded beef w/ fried plantains & rice) and a Cubano Sandwich (ham, roast pork, cheese on a crispy baguette) Service was solid, server checked in often and gave contextual info on the orders. Atmosphere was nice, had a nice dive bar feel music-wise. Therevs an indoor and outdoor section. And a place for people that want to smoke.

The appetizers were really good but both entrees were average. We did not like the Arroz con pollo, it was just mushy and didn’t enjoy the taste of the chicken. The plantains that came with it was delicious. We left the chicken as is and just ate the rice with plantains. The drinks are great and service is nice too. Food is 4 stars, except for the chicken dish which is 2 stars.

First time here. Amazing have something to eat and then go to the cigar room for a smoke and cocktails. Crab cakes appetizer with the corn was delicious. The grilled skirt steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus with coconut shrimp was so good. The steak was so tender which is difficult to cook for it to be that tender. Salad also had the roasted corn. The bread with the dip was perfection. Our drinks Hemingway and manhattan with bourbon made perfectly. Cigars the best.

We tried the chicharrones de pollo and fried shrimp from their happy hour menu. The shrimp were juicy—maybe a bit on the oily side—but still delicious, and the chicken was super crispy and perfectly seasoned. We also had the Tierra y Mar, which came in a generous portion and was packed with flavor. The skirt steak was tender, juicy, and full of beefy goodness. The coconut shrimp were excellent—not overly sweet, just naturally so—and the asparagus was cooked perfectly. The whole place, including the bathrooms, was impeccably clean. Great experience overall!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ La Bodeguita del Medio – Palo Alto An absolute gem in Palo Alto! ???????? From the moment you walk in, the vibrant Cuban ambiance sets the tone for an unforgettable evening. The Cuban dishes are spot on flavorful, authentic, and beautifully plated. The ropa vieja, mojito chicken, and plantains are all must-tries, and the black beans and rice are perfection every single time. The rum selection here is world-class — whether you’re a connoisseur or just starting your rum journey, Arturo and Lana are incredible to talk to. Their passion and knowledge about rum shine through in every recommendation. They’ll guide you through everything from classic aged rums to rare and vintage bottles, making each visit a true experience. Don’t miss the cigar lounge which is an ideal place to unwind with a smooth cigar and a top-shelf pour. The ambiance feels like a slice of Havana right here in Silicon Valley. Operationally, they’re flawless the restrooms are always clean, and service is consistently top-notch. Whether you’re planning a party, a romantic dinner for two, or just flying solo at the bar, this is the spot where you’ll always feel welcome. Highly recommend La Bodeguita del Medio for anyone who appreciates excellent food, exceptional service, and that warm Cuban hospitality. #LaBodeguitaDelMedio #PaloAltoEats #CubanCuisine #RumLovers #CubanRestaurant #BayAreaEats #CigarLounge #CubanVibes #HavanaNights #ArturoAndLana #RumExperts #TopService #FineDining #BayAreaRestaurants #CubanExperience #OneLove #FoodieFavorites

I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner. They gave amazing service. Delicious food and drinks. In particular - I LOVED the crab cakes! And they brought out a sweet dessert for my birthday.