Michael S.
Yelp
Nice. Sliced. Diced.
QUALITY
As I review a restaurant, clearly the main focus should always be quality. Thus is the perfect norm at Diced. With the fresh taste that I have lingering for days, I feel the produce and grains are picked or harvested just before I bite into each savory piece. The tomatoes are juice, the avocado is smooth and fresh; as is even for the brown rice or wheat wrap used. Rarely can I find such a savory and fresh tasting all around quality wrap. However, I was able to at Diced.
QUANTITY
A huge plus for this category. There are a million and one places now-a-days to get a mediocre wrap. I can name of so many just thinking now. One day, my wife and saw this - what we thought was a one off - spot called Diced. We were not able to stop that moment, however just a few minutes later, somehow found ourselves at this Pinecrest, south Miami location. Wow were we glad. The quantity of food per place and per person is fantastic. Seldom, will one fund such a great quantity when considering all other factors I will get to shortly.
VALUE
As mentioned just above, the value goes with the quality and quantity. When I think dollar for dollar of the fresh taste I will have, along with the size of each salad, wrap or plate ordered, holy moly, the value is surely there. For well under ten dollars, one can feast for meal and a half - at least. If you opt for a soft drink, you can have a refill while dinning in which always makes the deal a bit sweeter as well. As with so many places, as you order will depend on your value. I am almost vegan (read other reviews to fully understand) and so I choose carefully to really extend my business spent dollar. Trust me, it goes far at Diced.
AMBIANCE
The ambiance is a huge plus for me. Whether eating outside or inside, once you walk in, you are smiled and greeted at by the kind folks working feverishly behind the counter. The somewhat open concept kitchen allows you to partly see what is going on and the folks are great. The inside seating is nice and bright and light, however when my wife even can enjoy the outside ambiance, I know it is great. There are kitschy lights strung up and the signage and décor is awesome. Some are not big fans perhaps of sitting right on top of South Dixie Highway for the sake of noise, however it makes for a fund view most of the time.
CROWD
The crowd at Diced is what you might expect. Young and perhaps from around the local University of Miami I have found. I do not believe they have a student discount; however I will not take away points for this. Clearly, they do not need the extra business boost. There will be a line almost out the door when in the peak times and as I have only ever been on the weekend, only waited a short time to place my order. The crowd is friendly and not loud aside from talking over the traffic from South Dixie Highway.
SERVICE
The servers and hosts are great at Diced. As I said previously, when you walk in you are greeted and the friendly staff are very patient if you are either a first timer as I was once, or if you are a very picky eater, as I always seem to be. Kudos to the clerk whom told me about the no extra charge avocado add-on for the veggie/vegan wrap. Huge plus for this. When you place your order, a simple number sign is given and very quickly your food is brought right to you. No need to get up and get your order at this somewhat fast-food, yet high quality place. Awesome style of doing so.
PARKING
Ah. My biggest pet peeve if you follow me. And unfortunately, if you have been to Diced, you know I am not going to have great things to say about the parking situation. Unfortunately, a good problem to have (?) is that Diced is very popular. And so even on the weekends, the parking is very tricky. Even when it seems to not be (so) busy inside, the small lot that is very narrow and elongated fills up very quickly. Perhaps folks all travel themselves and meet up? Regardless, the only extra parking is just (south) of the main location, where Diced is fixing to serve up a drive-thru only add-on. Cool idea, however, this my take away even more of the very finite parking they already have - *sigh* - parking woes will always haunt me. Just take a ride share. I am kidding.
EXTRA
I am so excited to try the drive-thru option when they get that up and running; as I wonder how parking will be. Beyond that, the quality, value and overall feeling after the fact when my wife and I leave Diced is a special feeling. We love wraps just like the rest of the current trendy world and hope that this level of freshness stays for a long time and can only inspire great competition to keep the goodness great. Until next time - SYOY!