El Palacio's juice bar builds tropical juices daily from the freshest available fruit — mango, mamey, papaya, tamarind, guanabana, depending on what's in season. No additives, no artificial sweetness — just pressed fruit and ice. The flavor varies slightly each visit. Reviewers specifically praise the tropical juices as a reason to visit.
Tips from diners
The tropical juices are what put this place on the map. Ask which fruits are freshest that day and order accordingly. These are unlike anything you'll find in a commercial juice bar.
Succulent roasted pork that's been cooked low and slow until the meat is fall-apart tender and the skin crackles slightly. Served alongside boiled yuca (starchy and neutral) that gets drizzled with warm garlic-cilantro mojo sauce. A traditional Cuban plate that anchors the cafeteria's appeal.
Tips from diners
This is what makes people line up. The roasted pork is the anchor of the hot counter. Get here early for the best texture.
Ripe plantains (plátano maduro) are blended with cold milk and a hint of cinnamon to create a thick, naturally sweet shake. It's nostalgic Cuban comfort in a glass — the plantain provides starch and subtle sweetness without added sugar.
Tips from diners
This is a traditional Cuban breakfast shake. It's naturally sweet and filling — pair it with croquetas for an authentic breakfast.
A selection of golden-fried croquetas — ham (jamón), cheese (queso), and yuca (yuca) — each with its own distinct filling. They're made fresh daily at the counter and represent the Cuban standard. Affordable and available all day.
Tips from diners
These are basic Cuban croquetas done right. Affordable and filling — order a few to try all the varieties.
Pork skin is fried until it puffs and crisps, creating an intensely savory snack. Served with lime wedges and spicy sauce for dipping. At a cafeteria like El Palacio, these are a no-frills bar snack, not a composed appetizer.
Tips from diners
Chicharrones go well with a tropical juice. The salt and acid balance each other. A classic pairing.
El Palacio de los Jugos is a Cuban market-cafeteria hybrid where steaming trays of roasted pork, croquetas, and chicharrones sit alongside a juice bar offering fresh-pressed tropical juices. No reservations, no frills — just order at the counter and eat standing up or grab one of the few available tables. The tropical juices are built daily from whatever fruit arrived that morning rather than a fixed recipe list, making each visit slightly different. This is the authentic Cuban cafeteria experience.
This is no-frills counter service. Order at the window, they'll hand you your food, and you eat standing or find a spot at one of the few tables. No waitstaff, no reservations.
Come before 9 AM to experience the full Cuban cafeteria culture. Locals are grabbing breakfast — café con leche, croquetas, lechon plates. After 2 PM, the food counter often runs out.
Huge portions, very inexpensive. A full plate of lechon with yuca and a tropical juice runs $12-14 for one person. Two people can eat well for $20-25.
Page last updated: