Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Don Carlin

    4.3 (323 reviews)
    ModerateCuban
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Don Carlin Photos

    Business Info

    DON CARLIN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Don Carlin

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jonathan C.

    Don Carlin reminds me of eating at my grandma's house. When you walk inside, it's not much, but you don't need a vibey look to serve authentic food. The employees all greet you with a smile and offer bread on the house. I love it when restaurants do this, remember grandma's house? Right when you walk inside, they immediately want to feed you. Because this is Cuban food, I definitely had to try the ropa vieja with black beans. Honestly, three letters... one word... WOW. It's such a great blend of flavors; one does not overpower the other. Also, pairing it with a natural pineapple juice definitely hits the spot. Again, this place may not look flashy. I always say, you come to a restaurant to eat, how it looks is secondary. This is my official Cuban spot forever!!!

    Empanadas
    D A.

    Amazing Cuban food !!! My go to while back in Broward County, Florida. Beef Empanadas & a Coffee

    Clara P.

    I was over the chain Cuban food, and wanted some authentic food that felt like grandma was cooking in the back. I was shocked that in Sunrise this hidden gem was here! It is definitely a hole in the wall , don't let the location deter you from the savory food. It a very casual spot, they have been around for 20 years. I was on the hunt for Ox Tail, Don Carlin delivered ! They have Ox tail specials from Tuesday-Sunday. Everything was so savory, and the service was great food came out in a timely manner! Everyone was very attentive and accommodating to my bf dietary restrictions . The Mamey milkshake was delicious ! I can't wait to try more food from the menu. Overall, please do yourself a favor and check this place out !

    Amlee S.

    Home cooked by GRANDMA! I was pretty amazed stopping by this little hole in the wall. I didn't expect much of it because I don't typically go out for Cuban food being Cuban myself. I made an exception for this little hole in the wall. We were instantly greeted and felt comfortable. It got full VERY quickly. As we browsed the menu, we noticed regulars stopping by and being greeted by their first name by the staff. That's when you know, they're regulars and the food is bomb. The Cuban food was as close to Cuban as it can get, in the streets cooking for people. It had a very home cooked taste that you don't typically find in the "Cuban" chain restaurants many know of in South Florida ie La Caretta, Latin America etc. What surprised me the most was, I saw the cook coming out when the restaurant was packed and everyone was eating. Of course, you cannot guess who it was? IT WAS THE GRANDMA. Yup! No lies. A , what appeared to be a 60+ year old grandma COOKING the Cuban food by the book. She puts Nitza Villapol to shame. Jk Cubans know who that is. A part of me was grateful a grandma was the head chef because only a grandma would still cook with that much care for masses in a restaurant. The other part of me, the granddaughter side, wishes she would rest. Either way, I'm grateful she was cooking the food in this restaurant. For that alone, I would come back to that restaurant and recommend it to others. If you are looking for authentic Cuban food, Don Carlin is the place to go. Service was fantastic , food was great, restaurant was cozy but not fancy and the prices were still reasonable for this day and age.

    The churassaco was well seasoned & very tender, also came with fluffy moroz rice, and nicely charred plantains!
    Blake Z.

    Seems like the family was looking for a change of scenery and taste tonight. Brainstorming where we should go; we unamiosly decided on Don Carlin! Going inside, there was a good amount of people seated, but we were seated rather quickly. Tonight we had 1x cuban pot roast and 1x churassco steak cooked medium rare. Going into my review, the food and service was excellent. The pot roast came in a savory cuban inspired red sauce; the beef was flaking off the fork, and came with creamy black beans, fluffy white rice, and nicely charred plantains. The churassaco was well seasoned, very tender, and came with fluffy moroz rice and nicely charred plantains. Moreover, the servers were very friendly and offered free wifi! Overall, we always enjoy the quality of both the food and service at Don Carlin and happy to give our experience tonight another 5/5!

    Marquita's con ajo
    Jesus S.

    OMGOSH!!!! This place is absolutely AMAZING!!!! We were close by visiting family and saw the great reviews and why not enjoy some good food. Needless to say we we quickly found out why people love this place. It's a small restaurant but it's both intimate and large enough to host many parties. We ordered our food and our server (Mario) was absolutely amazing. We scouted the menu and made our choices. The biste empalizado was a great portion as well as delicious. The chicharrones de pollo were excellent. All of our food tasted fresh, delicious and the portions were an excellent size. The maduros were also delicious and the rice and black beans were awesome. Tuesday & Friday special is oxtail and it's great. Funny story my wife loves oxtail but she didn't see the special and ordered something different. When we finished our meal and she saw what the special was was bummed she didn't try it out. Our server was so kind. He brought us a small sample for us so she can try it. Needless to say this is the reason why this place does as amazing as it does. What a kind gesture. We'll definable be back.

    Empanadas
    Kirsten D.

    We're visiting from California and Yelped cuban food near us.. we came here and very glad we did. Very good, clean food.. Mario was excellent in hospitality and service!!! Thank you to the staff for being so helpful!

    Rob D.

    We were looking for some good local Cuban food near a relatives house and we found this at Don Carlin. We arrived a little early for lunch and so glad that we did. Were seated right away and for us the food choice was obvious. Lechon Asado. We also saw that there were empanadas on the menu also, yes please. The empanadas were ok. However the Lechon Asado was really good. The meat was tender and had great flavor. It was accompanied by plantains and Moro rice. Both were as good as the pork. I chose wisely. The service was really good. Our waiter was attentive but not overbearing which is always a good thing. I would definitely return when I am in the area. Please support this business.

    Kitchen
    Natalie S.

    We started off with fried plantains and garlic sauce, so delish. I had the lechon asado which comes with white rice, black beans and sweet plantains The pork was good, however I would have liked more of a sauce, garlic or otherwise. My friends all enjoyed their meals. There is plenty of parking.

    Palomilla steak - lunch special

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Medianoche is very yummy and so is their cafe con leche. Customer service is very great

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Amazing Cuban food. Loved it! Try the Spanish white beans and Platanos Maduros. Service was personable and fast.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Food was good service good prices ambiance just regular nothing fancy. Clean establishment. You won't be disappointed

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lady G.
    0
    37
    40

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rob D.
    88
    1186
    1245

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Food was good, the service was very good and was greeted very kindly. Was clean and a good crowed of people!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Don Carlin has great food, large portions, quick and friendly service with and a family atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rod H.
    5
    43
    2

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Les l.
    0
    5
    20

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emily B.
    4
    52
    380

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gary F.
    157
    744
    6053

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Yummy food.Friendly staff. Family ambiance. And affordable. Flavor is consistent. We love it here.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Don Carlin Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Don Carlin

    Does this place take reservations?

    When we went we were 3 and as James said it's super casual. I would definitely call them depending on the amount of people in your party. Place can get crowded and quick. But to answer your question we didn't make a reservation and we were seated… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Padrino's Cuban Restaurant - Bistec de Pollo

    Padrino's Cuban Restaurant

    3.9(670 reviews)
    5.2 mi
    $$

    What a great restaurant! The atmosphere was open and bright. The patio was under a covered roof on…read morethe outside side of the restaurant with lighting on the tables. The front outside of the restaurant had very welcoming rattan couch and was playing great calming Cuban music. The staff were efficient and sweet and once our meal choice was taken we were left alone to talk. Once or meals came we were not approached u til our meals were completed. We finished all of our meals- the food was exceptional! The sauce on my shrimp was exceptional and I wanted to put all my rice in the sauce! The shrimp were cooked to perfection! The plantains were so good I could have eaten so many more! We will definitely return!! The prices were reasonable !

    I ordered catering from Padrino's in Plantation for my mother's 80th birthday, and I have to be…read morehonest -- it was a bit disappointing. We ordered a large arroz con pollo platter and the yuca with moro platter. The arroz con pollo unfortunately was very hard and clumped together. The flavor itself was okay, but the texture really took away from the dish. It felt dry and overcooked, and for a special milestone celebration, that was disappointing. I honestly wouldn't order the arroz con pollo from here again. The yuca was also inconsistent -- some pieces were soft and tender, while others were hard. When you're catering for an important event, consistency matters, and this just didn't hit the mark. I've had better experiences dining in, so I expected the same quality for catering. Sadly, this time it didn't reflect the level I was hoping for -- especially for something as meaningful as my mom's 80th birthday. I hope they tighten up their catering quality control because the potential is there -- but this order just wasn't it for $155 i expected better.

    Photos
    Padrino's Cuban Restaurant - Botanicals

    Botanicals

    Padrino's Cuban Restaurant
    Padrino's Cuban Restaurant - ¡Kapow!

    See all

    ¡Kapow!

    Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant - Dinner time!

    Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant

    4.3(747 reviews)
    11.4 mi
    $$

    Located in a strip mall but the main dining area has an upscale ambiance…read more Our waitress was very nice and attentive. Ceviche is fresh served with long plantain chips. The appetizer platter also comes with the same kind of plantain chips. Highly recommended if you want to try a bit of everything. Empanada has fresh homemade crust Lechon asado: tender and juicy roasted pork. I substitute the moros with fried plantains. I really enjoy it. Plantains are ripe and sweet but not mushy. Tostones are the biggest I've ever had. Well fried and not greasy. Plenty of drink options. Sangria is ok, not very fruity. Only has two slices of oranges . Mojito: strong rum from my favorite rum brand Don Q. My friend ordered paella. The portion is huge. You can share it with more than one person. It takes three containers to take home the leftover. Very tasty with fresh seafood.

    Last time we were at Padrino's was over a year ago. I can honestly say I don't remember being quite…read morethis good. The service was excellent, and the restaurant is beautiful with a very relaxed atmosphere. The food was delicious. We started with the empanadas which had an excellent flavor and the mango salsa that it came with was really really good. For dinner, my wife had the Lachona Asada and I had the churrasco steak. Both our dishes were excellent amazing flavors. The meat was super tender, and the portions were a really nice size. I can definitely say that we're going to return more often, especially if the food continues at this level.

    Photos
    Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant - Looking back at the pig. Rotated photo. My apologies.

    Looking back at the pig. Rotated photo. My apologies.

    Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant
    Padrino’s Cuban Restaurant - Bar and interior

    See all

    Bar and interior

    Cedeno's Cuban Cafe

    Cedeno's Cuban Cafe

    4.3(52 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $

    This Cuban food kiosk is located in the foodcourt area at the mall. Their food was authentic and…read morevery reasonably prices. Everything was fresh and the service was very quick. I liked the Cuban sandwich because it was well put together and for the price, they didn't skimp on the fillings. The menu is both printed and posted above the counter where you order and the kitchen is open to watch your food being prepared. I will definitely come back as all the food looked very good. Service was also friendly.

    Authentic Cuban food... in a mall food court? Who knew a gem like this existed in the heart of…read moreBroward Mall! Cedeno's Cuban Café completely surprised me. From the moment I walked up, the staff was incredibly friendly--welcoming, patient, and genuinely eager to help. The menu had a variety of home-style Cuban dishes, and the prices? Absolutely jaw-dropping (in the best way). I ordered the daily special: goat stew with three sides--all for just $9.99. Yes, you read that right. My sides were lentil soup, sweet plantains, and yucca. The goat was perfectly tender and full of rich flavor. The lentil soup was comforting and hearty, and the sweet plantains were caramelized just right. The yucca was the only thing that fell a bit flat--I personally like mine tossed with sautéed garlic for that extra flavor punch. I also couldn't resist trying one chicken and one beef empanada. They were HUGE--seriously, each one was the size of my head--and both were crispy on the outside and generously filled. Final thoughts: Cedeno's offers flavor, hospitality, and value all in one spot. It's not every day you find food that tastes homemade, served with heart, and priced under $10. Whether you're in the mall shopping or just craving authentic Cuban comfort food, this spot is absolutely worth a visit. A true hidden gem in an unexpected place

    Photos
    Cedeno's Cuban Cafe
    Cedeno's Cuban Cafe
    Cedeno's Cuban Cafe

    See all

    Luka Restaurant - The perfect plan always starts at Luka: Latin flavor, mouth-watering dishes, and a captivating atmosphere.
See you today?

    Luka Restaurant

    4.1(228 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    $$
    20 years in business
    Family-owned & operated

    Amazing food and friendly staff. The interior is decorated nicely but the location is kind of…read morerandom but it didn't matter. The food here is incredible!! Our waiter was very friendly and accommodating and the Cachapa was 10/10 (I ordered the carne asada) I'll be back when I'm in town again!

    This is a really cozy and homey type of restaurant. I feel like the staff truly cares. I sat at the…read morebar while waiting for my friend who had to deal with difficult traffic. The staff was r we ally welcoming. We sat down and our server was happy to explain details of a couple dishes to my friend. I already knew what I wanted before walking in the door. We ordered Venezuelan empanadas on our server's recommendation. We had one cheese, one chicken, and two beef. I had one beef and it was real good My friend really enjoyed her beef and risotto. I also enjoyed my ceviche although I would have liked it to be colder. Anyway, the fish was fresh and I scooped up all the lime juice with a spoon. This is a nice place to eat. I saw they have some good Tuesday specials, such as $3 beers with $4 tacos and $6 margaritas. They have live music on Fridays. I would be happy to come back here.

    Photos
    Luka Restaurant - When the day calls for a break, the perfect cocktail awaits you at Luka. 
Relax, toast, and indulge in the flavor.

    When the day calls for a break, the perfect cocktail awaits you at Luka. Relax, toast, and indulge in the flavor.

    Luka Restaurant - The perfect plan always starts at Luka: Latin flavor, mouth-watering dishes, and a captivating atmosphere.
See you today?

    The perfect plan always starts at Luka: Latin flavor, mouth-watering dishes, and a captivating atmosphere. See you today?

    Luka Restaurant - The perfect plan always starts at Luka: Latin flavor, mouth-watering dishes, and a captivating atmosphere.
See you today?

    See all

    The perfect plan always starts at Luka: Latin flavor, mouth-watering dishes, and a captivating atmosphere. See you today?

    Don Carlin - cuban - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...