"Gas station food usually evokes images of wrinkly old hot dogs rotating on metal rollers. And while the Mobil on US1 in Coconut Grove certainly has its fair share of candy and cigarettes, it’s also home to El Carajo, one of our favorite Spanish restaurants in Miami. You’ll forget where you are as soon as you step into the dining room, which looks like a Spanish plaza, surrounded by painted bricks and fake balconies. Pick out a bottle of wine from their giant selection and start with a big tabla of manchego cheese, jamon serrano, chorizo, and quince before moving on to sweet bacon-wrapped dates and plump gambas al ajillo, which are both under $15. But El Carajo isn’t just great for tapas. They also have tender lamb chops with manchego potato terrine and paellas perfect for big group celebrations. photo credit: El Carajo" - Virginia Otazo
