Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant

We ate here while visiting Ft Lauderdale and so glad that we did. The food is incredible! Quality ingredients and nice portions. The live music and excellent service were the icing on the cake. Our server was Leslie and she is so sweet and pleasant, and very attentive. The empanadas appetizer was yummy, as were the Cubano sandwich and the blackened mahi mahi. Despite being absolutely stuffed, we ordered and shared the limon dessert and it was delish. This place is a must when in or near Ft Lauderdale.

Very pleasant dining experience, food was fantastic and as described on the menu. Service was kind, smiling, and prompt. Gave us Togo containers, and the waitress was so thoughtful about which. Couldn’t believe how reasonably it was considering the quality of the food. The black bean salsa is now my favorite dish in Ft Lauderdale

Yo, me and my fiancé rolled up to Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant on a Saturday night, no reservations, just vibin’. Straight up, this spot was poppin’! Plenty of parking, so we didn’t have to circle around like lost souls. Walked in, and the place was mad clean, like, spotless. The vibe? Super welcoming, felt like we was family from the jump. They had a live band goin’ off, settin’ the mood just right—had us feelin’ like we was in Havana or somethin’. Menu prices? Easy on the wallet, no need to break the bank. Food came out fresh as hell, like they just plucked it from the farm. I got the Ropa Vieja, and yo, that joint was bomb! Cooked to perfection, fallin’ apart, sauce hittin’ all the right spots. My fiancé was lovin’ her plate too, no complaints. Whole experience was straight fire—good eats, dope music, and a chill spot that don’t make you feel rushed. Padrino’s, y’all earned these five stars. We comin’ back, no cap!

Tried it on a whim while looking for good Cuban food. Did not disappoint!! Had Arroz Con Pollo and a cuban sandwich. Bursting with flavor (i could've done with a smidgen less salt but that didn't takeaway from the culinary experience). Get there!! Oh! And the drinks were amazing!! Not all watery.

The drink was a blast, especially the coco pina and guava cocktail. Yucca tastes good with pickled garlic, and chicken was tender. Brisket was a bit over cooked but still not bad.

We were really disappointed in our meals. The chicken was dry with no flavor. I really enjoyed the plantains, very flavorful. The mojito drinks were on point!

Our first night in Fort Lauderdale had to involve good Cuban food and Pedrino’s did not disappoint. Highly recommend the Ropa Vieja and Cuban Combo. Everything was amazing. Add this one to your list!

The food, service, ambiance and comfy booths were everything I had anticipated. The staff was warm and inviting and they offer seating outdoors as well. Padrino’s is known for decades for their authentic Cuban cuisine and our family has enjoyed it for many years in Plantation. However, this one is located in the IHOP & Cafe Vico business center in East Fort Lauderdale—just a few miles west of our beautiful beaches. We savored their Cuban Combination platter which consisted of mariquitas with black bean salsa and garlic aioli, ham croquetas, empanadas de carne [beef], tostones [pressed fried plantains] topped with creole chicken, melted cheese and fresh pico de gallo. We also ordered the Ropa Vieja: slowly-cooked-shredded beef with green peppers & onions in a light tomato sauce—served with white rice, black beans, and maduros [sweet plantains]. In addition, we had sangria and it was just right! To finalize our wonderful evening, we took home Tres Leches with all the toppings nicely packed. We dined on a Sunday evening, but they currently have live music on Fridays from 6:30-9:30 PM. We’ll have to make it a point to come back before the holidays. This restaurant doesn’t disappoint!

Let us preface this by saying everything happens for a reason. We had our outstanding experience at Padrino's Cuban Restaurant on the 4th of July when family came to visit from San Antonio, TX. Full disclosure, the family chose a competing Cuban restaurant on N. Federal Hwy, as it was closer. However, upon arrival, the restaurant was closed. So we headed to their next choice. As soon as we saw the Padrino's Cuban Restaurant from the road, we knew it was fated for the other place to be closed, and us to dine there! The outside alone let us know we were in the right place, and great things were in store for us! We were right. The inside décor was impeccable, including the restrooms! In fact, the restroom were so well-kept and appealing that we insisted on each other going to see them! Our server was spectacular! She made sure everything was okay. We even had an owner or manager check in on us. And he thanked us highly for coming! We all felt special because it was not super busy. It was almost as if we had the restaurant to ourselves. So our orders came to us in no time. We covered décor and service. Now let's talk food. 10 out of 10!!! Even the bread wowed us! Usually, restaurants serve a loaf of bread to fill up patrons so as to rush them out for the next patrons and tips. This bread was sliced thin, had the right amount of garlic, and was fantastic! We truly cannot give enough compliments to do Padrino's Cuban Restaurant justice. It became a top spot for one family member. And for another, it was their first time having Cuban fare. ¡Muchísimas gracias! You are #1 on YELP for Cuban food, and it is la verdad!

Padrino's is my favorite Cuban restaurant! The food is consistently good, the portions generous and the prices are very, very fair. When other restaurants were hiking the price of protein for your salad or main dish after the pandemic, Padrino's only raised entree prices one or two dollars. They earned our business and did not offend us with ridiculous inflated fees. Thank you, Padrino's! Thus I remain loyal to your Fort Lauderdale location. I always get the Ropa Vieja ($20) which comes with black beans and rice with sweet plantains. I substitute yucca for the plantains. Truly delicious! The flank steak is tender and the tomato sauce with peppers is heavenly. I've been told that this is the national Cuban dish. The caldo gallego soup (white beans with ham) is really flavorful too. It has nice chunks of tender ham. It makes for a great starter for dinner ($8). My dinner guest ordered Bistec de Pollo ($19). He rated this a 10/10 and the restaurant 5 stars also. His chicken was tender and juicy and the onions were cooked perfectly. I had a Cuban beer as well. A blonde lager. This is a great place to eat lunch or dinner. The portions are large and I always bring food home.

Everything here was awesome! I wish I could bring this restaurant back to my hometown since I'm just here for 2 days! It was our first time having cuban cuisine so we were not sure what to get. The server was nice to recommended us couple dishes. We ended up coming in the next day before our flight because the service was nice and the food was delicious. I recommend the Mary Tierra, Ropa Vieja and classic Limonadas. The Mary Tierra is strak and shrimp with rice, beans and plantains. The steak is cooked perfectly as requested(medium), and the side of cilantro dressing definitely brought the dish to a new level. Ropa Vieja is a shedded beef in a tomato based sauce, served with rice, beans and plantains. The shedded beef soaks up the sauce and matches very well with the rice. The Limonadas is very refreshing, perfect for summer.

Back again last week and as usual it was fantastic! So good every time! Can't wait to eat here every time I visit! Service was great! Love the yucca and the plantains so always get a side of one and always get the moros beans and rice mix! The ajo sauce is always yummy too!

Second time visiting Ft. Lauderdale and first time visiting the restaurant on July 13th. First arriving, it was cool and had music playing. Was able to choose between their buffet or regular menu; went with the latter since it was our first time there. The buffet section looked nice and had people at the trays, ready to serve. It was a small selection of food. The hostess was kind enough to explain the options. Got their cha cha chicken sandwich, [regular] lemonade, and flan. (Had a taste of their grilled ropa vieja from someone in our party and it was delicious!) The cha cha chicken sandwich came with shoestring fries; you can substitute it with plantains. Our server was very attentive and kind. She checked up on us during the meal and wanted to make sure if we needed any refills. Next time we come to Ft. Lauderdale, Padrino's is on the list! :-)

The service was FAST! We had a party of 10 and they were efficient in making sure everyone's order was correct. The white sangria was delicious and refreshing served in a large wine glass which was a delightful surprise! The food was of plenty, I could not even finish and requested food a box. The inside is calming and inviting

Came to Florida for vacation, and this restaurant was recommended to us, so we tried it out. We were not disappointed at all. The food and service were really good. First time eating Cuban food.

Super good Cuban spot. My favorite is Cuban and I usually get Ropa vieja and tostones. This was a really good option. The service was good as well. We went on a Sunday and it was a little slow so I don't believe you need reservations. Definitely suggest checking this place out. It was also very quiet and cozy. Plenty of shopping center parking.

I came on a Friday afternoon for lunch on a whim, and I was very happy with my choice! Amazing ambiance with wooden floors, beamed ceilings, and Cuban decor. The music was right on par too, putting you in the mood for good Cuban food. They serve hot pressed Cuban bread to start, and I got the lunch portion of the Mahi Mahi, and the portion was great. Delicious flavors, and the staff was very friendly. I will definitely be back. Looks like they have great space for private events as well.

Leslie our sever was very nice and helpful.our Cuban sandwich was loaded with meat. They do the pickle but they don't do the mustard. The room is quite large and roomy and the nice size bar and a few outside seating.

We had a great experience at Padrino's FLL. Made a reservation for 6p and we were greeted and seated promptly upon arrival. 2 classic mojitos, ceviche, chicken noodle soup, braised lamb, ropa vieja, and finished off with tres leches. Everything was fresh, delicious, and great!

Great food and atmosphere. Exceptional service . The best experience our family has ever had.

Happy hour! We had a great time visiting Padrinos Ft Lauderdale during happy hour. You have to sit at the bar, but seats were available so we planned to start there and then move to a table later but ended up just staying at the bar. Drink and appetizer specials were limited but excellent- we had sangria, a cielo, and a palma, with picadillo empanadas and plantain chips with salsa. For dinner, we had a cubano and mahi mahi. It was my birthday, so they brought us flan which was delicious, and we added tres leches cake (a favorite). Highly recommend!

We were looking for Cuban cuisine and selected this restaurant. We arrived early in the dinner hour and had no trouble obtaining a seat. By the time we left, the restaurant was pretty full. The restaurant was modern. They offer table service. Our server greeted us shortly after being seated and was helpful. I had "Pescado A La Plancha" (flounder) and my wife had a salad and bowl of chicken noodle soup. Both were good. I'd consider returning if I am in the area.

Food was good. Service was good and the ambiance was pleasant. I would highly recommend this place.

We used to have a Padrino's in Orlando, but now we have to visit it in Fort Lauderdale! This Cuban food is delicious! They are kind, super attentive, and quick with your order. The food comes out piping hot and the flavors are traditional and yum. (coming from a partial Cuban) My Order: Croquetas de Jamon Vaca Frita (my all time fav!!) Also love their Cubano! They are not stingy with portions, but they serve quality good. The meat is tender, fresh, and well-flavored utilizing ingredients that are beneficial like garlic, lime and onions rather than spice mixes. I also am a fan of their maduros as they are not overly sweet and come out with the perfect texture. The restaurant's interior is fine - there is a bar and a spacious open floor plan, however it is just an in and out Cuban restaurant rather than a hang out all day because of location type of place.

Went to Padrino's for dinner with an old friend. Place has a nice vibe and staff is super friendly. The warm bread basket is a nice touch. The sampler appetizer platter was ok, the croquetas were really good, should have just ordered that. Lechon asado and moro was ok, needed more flavor, maybe some salt, but there wasnt any on table. Prices are good so that is a plus. My husband enjoyed a cup of caldo gallego. His palomilla steak and rice and beans also needed some salt.

We tried this restaurant as it was close to The Parker Playhouse. Super easy access off US1 with a fantastic menu. I ordered the Arroz Con Pollo ($17). Boneless chicken with onions, peppers and chorizo sautéed into yellow rice. Absolutely fantastic! The plantains were perfect, sweet and delicious. My wife had the quesadilla ($13.50) and thought it was awesome. Stuffed with chicken, cheese, sour cream and fresh tomatoes with nothing left to take home. Atmosphere wise it's kinda loud. The Cuba music playing could have been turned down a tad. The service was prompt and frequent which we were glad to have holding concert tickets. If there is a down side the bar stock didn't have bourbon so I got a Crown Royal Manhattans instead. We will definitely go again.

I hardly rarely eat Cuban food, but I think I have a new found love for this delicious cuisine. Was on the road for work and decided to try Padrino's. The friendly server recommended I try the Lechon Asado which is: Slow-roasted pork seasoned with citrus mojo, sautéed onions, aroz moro and a side of scrumptious, creamy yucca. Man, did it knock my socks off! The dish was tangy, crispy and buttery! All the flavors combinations worked so well together. Can't wait to try another creation! Cheers to the chefs creating magic in the kitchen.

I don't think I've ever eaten Cuban food before, so I don't have much to compare it too, but I thought this place was pretty good! The restaurant itself was very pretty and very well kept, there's a little bit of outdoor seating but all of tables outside were taken when we got there so we sat inside the restaurant. The service was great, too! Our server was very friendly and attentive. The food was pretty good! I wasn't crazy about anything in our appetizer plate, but the drinks were really good and the food was very flavorful. I got the chicken, which was good, but after trying my friends food, I wish I would have gotten the pork or the flank steak that they got, amazing! I also don't usually like sweet plantains, but the ones that came with our meal were verrry good!

[Out-of-towner Review] When a local recommends a place, you GO! I went on a random weekday, for a late lunch. The BEST decision I could have ever made. Turns out, Padrino is the family name. I usually know this word/name as Godfather, but it's the namesake of the family that started this chain of delicious restaurants. The menu is vast and I wanted to try all the Cuban goodies, but it was just me and my one stomach. I ended up with: - Garlic Bread, compliments of my kind server - Cafe Cubano - delicious beyond belief and I wanted to order a second but was caffeinated adequately - Churrasco (with no beans) - meat tender as can be and dreamy chimichurri that I want to drape over everything - Tres Leches - creamy, milky divinity Now I know why my local Lyft driver said we should try this place when we asked where to get Cuban food. From the interior, and staff, to the food, everything was great. I'd easily go back to try so many other item menus. I really wanted to try the paella, but it was just me and it seems like a dish for two! The empanadas also haunt me, because I really wanted to try them! Came in a patron and left feeling like a well-fed family member...

Yelp For us, a random surprise since we are visiting. But clearly standard practice for Padrino's. Courteous greetings, spacious and well designed facility with open floor plan, and plenty of tables - but definitely not crowded. I went for the Cubano because I miss them. Mi esposo chose the Churrasco Steak. We were not disappointed.

Padrinos is a place to go anytime you're craving Cuban food. From their croquetas to the Churrasco to the masas de puerco. You can count on the flavors being authentic and rich. The decor is chic and modern while still holding onto that home comfort feeling. The staff is always great, and the bartenders know how to make a strong drink. We've come on several occasions both for lunch and dinner, and we're never disappointed in the food and service. Definitely a place to check out!

We came here for a birthday dinner and Padrino's definitely provided a special meal experience for us! The ambience was very modern and intimate - definitely a nicer atmosphere for a special occasion but they did not seem to mind that we had kids and a larger party. Their classic mojito was fresh and not too sweet. We also ordered the Cuban Combination platter which gave us a sampling of all their delicious appetizers (mariquitas, croquetas de jamon, picadillo empandas and fiesta tostones) They were all tasty - I loved the guava chutney that came alongside the picadillo empanadas. Our family split the pan con lechon sandwich. The portion was large and the fries were so crispy. I loved the flavor of the meat and the way the sandwich bread was perfectly toasted. The kids loved the chicken quesadillas which were a hefty portion and had tender chicken. They came out a tad soggy but were still enjoyed. We also got the ropa vieja - the flank steak was well cooked and seasoned and the plantains and black bean complimented the meal well. We left with plenty of leftovers and had a great time. Check this place out!

Phenomenal!! We had the Piccadillo empanada as an appetizer, my son had the Cubano and I had the Ropa Vieja. I had a traditional mojito, which was a 10/10. The service and quality is impecible. Will go again when in Fort Lauderdale.

Padrino is my go to for my best friend and I. I love Morros and there's is absolutely delicious! The restaurant is exceptionally clean, beautifully decorated, and the service impeccable.

Good food, but bad mojitos and terrible service = total failure. 1) undrinkable, ridiculously sweet mojitos that tasted like pure sugar. (I stirred it thoroughly, too.) 2) no outdoor tables available: we reserved an outdoor table for 6:30 on a Sunday night. When we arrived, the hostess said there'd be a 30 minute wait for outside dining. Thanks for saving a table for us. 3) terrible service: when I politely asked our server to remake the mojito with half the sugar, he told me that I was the first person who has ever complained about the sweetness. He offered only to remake it with zero sugar, not half. I asked him twice because I couldn't believe he was refusing such a simple request. WTF?! Yes, he deleted it from the bill, but geez. He refilled everyone else's water but mine during our meal. What a jerk. My knife was dirty. Why ask for another one when the server is so unaccommodating? We should have left after he gave me attitude about the mojito, but we were tired and hungry tourists. It goes without saying that we won't return and will advise others to avoid. There are plenty of better options.

Food was great , good flavor and service. Stephanie was our waitress and was helpful and fun .

The best food!! Awesome service and really nice atmosphere. Come eat here!!! It's awesome!

I have only been once but did have experience with Padrinos being catered at a party . Both experiences were great . The food , ambiance and staff were very nice . 4 stars because limited visits but hope to return

This is one of our go to places. Always good. I even ordered the wrong thing and they were so nice that they exchanged it out. Staff is friendly. Place is clean plenty of parking. They take reservations. And the flan is the best I've ever had!!!!

My wife and mother in law had fish and I had the lechón asado. The food was excellent as was the beans, rice and plantains. The Ft Lauderdale location, as the others, is surgically clean and the service is above average. Every time we are in town we make it a point to visit Padrino's.

Our Uber driver, Blas, is a foodie. Born in Venezuela, he is very versed in Cuban cuisine and highly recommended Padrino's for Cuban food. So we said "yes please!" I got distracted by my vacation and never finished this review. Oops. So here it is 6 plus months later and I am finishing this review. Let me tell you that while I can't state complete specifics, the meal was terrific. When/if we ever end up in Fort Lauderdale, we will come back to eat here.

Starting off, this place has a beautiful and modern ambiance. Lovely customer service. The food is fresh and delicious. Everything is authentic. Not to mention the sangria was Will come back again!

Amazing mojitos, empanadas, vaca frita, and tostones! Highly recommend this spot or the Dania Beach location. I've been to both and loved everything I've tried, at each one.

We weren't thrilled with our drinks. The mahi mahi was good, but my wife has a shellfish allergy, which the server was informed of, however there had to have been some cross contamination because she got violently sick during the night, as happens with her allergies. Something to be aware of for others!

Food and service was excellent! I ordered the special which was oxtail. It was served in a savory tomatoe sauce with rice, black beans and plantains on the side. It was a large portion enough to feed 2. My husband ordered the ropa vieja which he also enjoyed. I also had their cafe con leche. It was a little on the sweet side for me but still delicious. The restaurant was clean, elegant and beautiful decorated.

Listen! Padrino's is a10/10 for me OK?! I always pass it driving down federal. Today, I decided to try it by placing a takeout order. I love love Caribbean cuisine. The simple version of these dishes is all need. Give me rice and sweet plantains and I am happy girl. Growing up in Miami, I developed a love of Cuban cuisine. This place is the real deal. I ordered Arroz con Pollo. It was very delicious and well seasoned. I ordered a side of plantains to accompany the rice and next time I'll order more cause I love combining it with my rice and three wasn't enough. I was impressed with the super clean modern decor when I opened the door to Padrino's. It was different for me. Usually, the Cuban restaurants I visit have that old time feel. I'm upset I haven't ate here sooner and I will def be back to dine in and take out

I came here on a Saturday for lunch. The hostess greeted us as soon as we got in, the place was empty and we decided to sit outside. When we got there, we were greeted by our waiter. We were pretty hungry so we started with the Croquetas. They come in a portion with 4 in them so they are perfect to share. Once we were done with the croquetas we ordered our main course. We decided to share the vaca fritta. I liked it but I thought it was awfully dry. I wanted to ask the waiter for a little bit of sauce but he never came back to check on us after he dropped the food off. When we finished our meal we waited for a few mins for our waiter to come back but he never did. We ended up having to get up from our table and go inside in order to pay our tab. Overall I was not impressed with the food or the service but it was clean and good enough where I would give it another shot.

When we come to the area for vacation, which is at least once a year if not more, we always come here. I usually get the Arroz Relleno along with a cafe con leche. This was my first taste of Cuban coffee and I'm hooked. My kids have tried the cubano, the sopa de pollo, and ropa vieja, all which have been delicious as well. The meal portion is big and I always have leftovers. I like the plantains they add, too. This visit I also tried their take on the Key Lime Pie, pastel de limon, and it did not disappoint. The service is always on point as well, even when we've been there during busy times.

OHMYGOSH!!! I. LOVE. CUBAN FOOD!!!!! I came into Miami with my dad ready to cheer on Inter Miami and try some new, good food, but I never imagined it would be this good! We got the starter plate and instantly fell in love with empanadas and plantain chips. I got the cha cha chicken and absolutely housed it. My dad got the churrasco and I had to force him to stop eating because he was full but couldn't resist!! DEFINITELY COME HERE!!!!!!!

Excellent food, they have a large menu. Helpful customer service. A bit pricey for the amount of food.

Visiting from out of town and this was easily the best food we had all week. We ordered ahead and our food was ready sooner than estimated which was great. The food was incredible. Everything was cooked perfectly and you could tell it was made with love and very authentic. Highly recommend!

Great food, fast service . Ambience. My wife is Cuban and she loved it. Great selection of beverages

Excellent customer service Beautiful venue for a date or any event or just casual meal Good prices Delicious food Friendly staff

Beautiful restaurant with its own private parking lot. Easy reservations via open table. I ordered the Cubano sandwich w plantains, and my husband ordered the paella. Both were delicious! Great service. Very clean bathrooms too.

This is my favorite Padrino's location! I live in Plantation, so this one is a bit of a drive, but it's worth it for the more modern, coastal atmosphere. I've been several times to this location and it is consistently so tasty. I ordered mariquitas with extra mojo (you can never have enough) for the table, a cortadito for some energy for a long day of shopping ahead, and lechon asado for my entree. The mariquitas are cut thick, which is the perfect way to enjoy them. My cortadito was dark and strong and is the perfect size to drink quickly before you meal comes. Watch out, it's hot! Next was the lechon asado, which I cannot speak more highly of. The pork is juicy, and flavorful. Don't forget to squeeze a lime over it! For sides, I got boiled yuca and white rice. The yuca was so tender and the mojo on top... the mojo on top is just heavenly. I've been to this Padrinos several times at different hours of the day and it's never overly packed and the kitchen is quick! If you're going for dinner, order a Summer Mojito. You won't regret it!

I am in the area due to a cruise. Yesterday, I had lunch at Padrino's. I had the lechon at the recommendation of the waiter / bartender. It was excellent - moist and juicy due to the fat content. Flavor on exterior was wonderful. The flan was also great. Today, I returned and had the ropa veigo - again excellent flavors. The black beans were definitely home made as I found a bay leaf in it. I also ordered arroz con pollo to take back to my hotel room for dinner. Looking forward to eating it. I a

Excellent food and even better cocktails. Ciello is my favorite drink. The food is always consistent. Never disappointed.

Friendly service, and nice atmosphere. We split a few appetizers that were good. The fish dish I ordered as the main course was tasty, but a little dry. I would give it another try again.