After my last review, I noticed the bread has been changed to American toast slices -- I'm not sure why this decision was made. The restaurant, however, has finally undergone the remodeling it desperately needed, and it looks great. It's clean, comfortable, and perfect for family meals. Service was warm, friendly, and efficient, with water glasses constantly refilled. It truly felt like eating at home. We ordered Fried Tasajo, white rice, black beans, and their famous papitas. Everything was excellent, and I'm excited to keep coming back to explore more dishes from their extensive menu. read more

My prior visit to RC, which was during a weekday, was much better than today's visit (Sunday). Both visits were for lunch. I was a bit shocked at the high prices. I'm sure that when I came a few weeks ago the prices were more reasonable. But maybe prices go up on the weekend? There are tables and booths but the booth (where we sat) was a little uncomfortable cause the seats were right up against the table and unmovable. The dining room is nicely decorated and there is also a bar seating. My vaca frita was very tasty but it was so tough and chewy that I had to be careful not to choke. Side salad was small and the tomatoes were past their prime. The ropa vieja was ok, but I've had better. Service was not bad but also not the best; had to ask for more water and a missing straw that took a while. The place was surprisingly busy but there were plenty of servers to go around. I was less than thrilled that on top of the high prices, they charge you 3% to pay with a credit card. That should really be illegal imo. Between the small portions, the lackluster food, the high prices and the credit card fee, I am not planning on returning. read more

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Food, The Super Rio Cristal Steak, $26.80 easy feeds two was all I went for. My aunt served tables there for 40 years. Her name was Olga. Special times going there with our 4 kids to eat and see their special aunt. We had Marta this time, excellent service. My wife ordered a side of black beans and rice. All good. They still have the light orange French dressing on the tables. The restaurant feels a little more open since removing the old booths and adding more tables. The original owner, Pepe, had his wife, Teresa, still operating the restaurant. Talked with her a while remembering old times. Ambiance is cozy, family feeling when you go in. Highly recommend if you want a piece of Miami history. Finished with flan and two Cuban coffees. read more

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Wow! Wow! Wow! My cousin has been talking about this place for some time and told me I need to go. Finally, I went to this location. Since the last time she was in she said the location was updated. It was very nice. Holiday decorations are tasteful too. The service was good, although there was only one server and I wish she would have checked on us during the visit more. From the time we ordered to getting our food was like less than ten minutes. The food was incredible! The flavor of the Rio Cristal was just divine. The fries piled on top with hidden onion and with each bite a burst of excellent flavor. I love this place. I am super excited to go back. Honestly almost went back the next day, but figured I should give it a short break, but I will be back. I highly recommend! read more

Original Rio Cristal - Rio Cristal Steak with Fries piled high - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Nostalgic! Best Cuban Food you can get. Besides the amazing mouth watering crispy bistec empanizado you will find one of Miamis only elevations of mountains made of the most crispy delicious hand cut fries. Culinary Cultural Experience. read more

Original Rio Cristal - Bistec de Res empanizado. Miami Mountain of French Fries. - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Have heard about this place a lot and wanted to check it out. Stopped in yesterday for lunch and it was amazing! The steak and fries were delicious and the beans tasted like abuela made them. Will definitely be going back when in the area. The service was also good and quick. read more

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I was a bit hesitant when I saw that new owners came in and remodeled the place but I'm happy to say that the inside is way more modern, clean, and welcoming and the food is as good as it always was - which I love. I've been coming for the bistec / palomilla steak lunch special and it's just amazing. Sometimes the rice is not fresh but I let my server know beforehand now and it's been fine. Service is quick and good too. read more

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I haven't bern here in 30 years, but it was always amazing when I was a kid. I'm glad it's still around.

I've been eating here for years, and even wrote a message to keep it open when they considered closing it during the pandemic, but perhaps after my experience yesterday it should've been closed. I ordered the steak, which is $28 and only comes with a very small portion of congris, no more of those julienne fries on top, and the way it was packed looked like someone's left over. I don't recommend you order carry out with any delivery, my order was delayed and food was cold when it arrived. please consider ordering from one of the many Cuban restaurants that still deliver good food and good service. read more

Finally got to try the famous Rio Cristal! Came in on a Friday & tried their lunch special with the steak, fries, rice & beans. And because it was a Friday I got to have the red beans. Everything was seasoned perfectly. The staff were kind & very fast. To top it off I had a the flan, almost wanted to lick the plate clean. Looking forward to returning! read more

Original Rio Cristal - Lunch special. - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

And just like that, the memory of my childhood has died. I've been coming to Rio Cristal since I was a child with my parents. We would always order the palomilla with their famous mountain of fries. But recently, the fries are NOT the same. I've ordered 4 times hoping it was a fluke but it's not. The only reason I came here was for this dish and now, Rio Cristal descends to the basic, not so great Cuban restaurant it never was. So sad they sold this place to someone who didn't keep the integrity of the dish that made them famous. Forever in my heart - Lila's and Rio Cristal. You will be missed! read more

Nostalgia to the max. I would come here all the time with my grandparents. The food here is great, the service is like being at home and grandma or Tia is giving you your food. It's great. The food has gotten a bit pricey, but times are tough and everything is super expensive now. The ambiance is comforting. It makes me think of my grandparents. I will forever recommend them. read more

Food was okay, but I'd never been and was dying to try after hearing the hype my entire life. Older lady at counter service was lovely. Kind and nice. I'll still go back & try something else:) read more

Hadn't been here in years What a disappointment. My steak was full of nerves. Very expensive.!! $24 for a steak 8 ounce with fries and $5 addition for rice and beans with a Cuban coffee came out to be $38 for lunch. What are they thinking. read more

Original Rio Cristal - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Rio Crystal was a signature Westchester Restaurant for decades ! Had the same wait staff for decades as well ! Same owners since 70's I believe ! Family sold around 2020 ! New owners remodeled, old staff gone, Prices raised ! Their signature Palomilla on an oval plate covered in a mountain of custom fries ???? GONE ... Should have kept the old look and fries ! read more

My father-in-law was craving the pan con bistec specifically from here. I had the hamburger without the bun and my son had the ropa vieja with rice and beans and tostones. The pan con bistec and the hamburger both came with skinny fries which were crispy and delicious! My father-in-law also ordered a cake con leche which was perfectly made with foam on top!! My son ordered a Malta Hatuey soda and I had a Coke zero. Our server Favio was awesome!! He brought everything that we wanted with a smile on his face and even took a picture for us! Everyone left happy! The place isn't fancy but the food and the service were both good! read more

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Been coming here every so often since I was a kid. Decided to come here with my parents and brother on a Sunday for lunch for the first time in months and was pleasantly surprised to see they've completely changed the seating inside! This was such a welcomed change as it now allows larger groups to sit together instead of being separated in multiple booths. The food was more expensive from what I remember and the portion sizes definitely shrank. The food quality remained fantastic which was much appreciated (although I'm sure the older crowd might be turned off by the plating decor haha). The vaca frita was delicious - perfectly cooked and perfectly seasoned. I ordered it with a side of rice and black beans (which counts as one side) plus platanos maduros and everything was great. read more

Original Rio Cristal - Vaca frita with plantanos maduros and extra onions - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Rio Cristal is an institution. Up until recently, stepping into the Westchester restaurant was like stepping into a time machine to your childhood. (If you're an elder millennial like me.) Now they've remodeled but I kind of miss the old look! The food is delicious. We always order the Super, which is very generously portioned and shareable. Steaks are served with a mountain of fries on top. Try putting some of the orange tabletop dressing (Catalina?) on the buttery Cuban toast served while you wait. And don't forget to save room for the flan! I like mine with a side of coco rallado. read more

Original Rio Cristal - Flan con coco - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

I have been coming to this restaurant for years whether it's for lunch or dinner, the food is always amazing. As you walk in, I noticed how they updated the restaurant and now it's more open and the light fixtures are more modern and industrial. The service here is always great and they have the same employees and it's comforting. I ordered the Palomia steak with the fries stacked on top, the food is filling and I've always left satisfied. I highly recommend anyone who enjoys Cuban food to come and try them out here. read more

We went on Sunday for Lunch and ordered the Palomilla with Fries. The steak was so tough that you couldn't cut it with the knife both steaks were the same sent them both back told the waitress to charge me for the drinks got up and left read more

If you are in search of a Cuban dining experience that combines tradition, flavor, and warmth, look no further than Rio Crystal Cuban Restaurant. With over 45 years of history, this establishment has been a beloved fixture in the community, offering unforgettable meals and a welcoming atmosphere. My first visit to Rio Crystal was as a child, accompanied by my grandmother and parents. The restaurant's signature dish, the palomilla steak, is a culinary masterpiece served beneath a mountain of fresh-cut fries. Each bite is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to excellence and authenticity. The staff at Rio Crystal are older, just like my Abuela and they are very attentive and friendly. ensuring that every visit feels like a homecoming. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Whether you are a longtime patron or a first-time visitor, Rio Crystal Cuban Restaurant promises an exceptional dining experience that will leave you planning your next visit. It makes me reminisce on my childhood and eating at Abuela's. I highly recommend the warm hospitality of Rio Crystal Cuban Restaurant and discover why it has remained a favorite in the Cuban community for over four decades. read more

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The former 31 with the mountain of fries is now $29.00 and was tough as leather. I miss the old owner attention to detail. What a ripoff

Authentic Cuban cuisine with all of the flavors and seasonings. The Bistec de Palomilla Rio Cristal is awesome and it's been awesome for 40+ years! The service is super friendly and very Cuban, which is the way it should be and they have recently remodeled and updated the look of the place. They're even got live music on Friday and Saturday nights! Definitely a Miami landmark and a must go place if you like "sabor criollo a la Cubana". read more

Original Rio Cristal - Bar area & live music stage. - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

I showed up and it was a different restaurant. Supposedly they sold it. Got rid of the old aesthetic, nostalgia and original menu. Why change the thing people originally came for. Such a shame, not everything has to look like a chain restaurant with garbage from hobby lobby. Sometimes people want to go to a place where they feel at Abuelas kitchen. read more

There's a reason this place has lasted so long..... it's awesome. Grew up in the area and a stop here for bistec and Fries was always a favorite. I remember being a kid and how much fun it was there and how we would laugh because all the waiters would hit on my Abuela. Lol food is awesome read more

I grew up in Westchester and I was a regular customer for years of Rio Cristal. Their legendary steak with the mountains of fresh shoe string potatoes was hard to resist. The decor was simple, nothing fancy but no one went there for that. There were lines to get in and we couldn't wait to get our steak and fries and delicious black beans with homemade flavor. I recently went back after many years, after moving out of the area. I was disappointed. The restaurant was renovated, which looks nice but with renovations comes increased prices. I understand there needs to be an increase. Everything has gone up in price. But now the simple palomilla steak with fries is $25. An order of rice is additional. We spent $80 for 2 steaks, rice, and one flan, tax and tip. I think they are over priced. Other Cuban restaurants in town serve palomilla steak for much less and many include two side orders. The food was good and so was the service. If you don't mind overpaying, then you'll probably enjoy it. read more

Came here because someone recommended it. The service was good .The employees were friendly. The establishment was clean gave old school diner vibes to me. They did have a little bar inside as well as a little photo opp you can take in the back. Had the lemonade it was okay would like it to be more freshly made for my liking. The food was decent for lunch at $12.00 to $15.00 was not bad. My favorite was the flan that was a must to have. read more

5-stars to Rio Cristal for the consistency of their #39 menu item, the Bistec Rio Cristal. They also have a larger version. My wife and I have been coming here for 28 years. We were always attended by the same server, Jesus, who recently passed away. RIP Jesus. He watched our family grow from just the 2 of us up to a family of 5. I've never veered off the same order every time we visit and this great review is based on their consistency of the food always coming out the same since day 1. Their flan is also a favorite, go-to dessert. Enjoy the Bistec Rio Cristal when visiting. read more

Original Rio Cristal - 39. Bistec Rio Cristal - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

Been bringing my family here since my kids were little! The mountain of fries is a core memory my family loves and we love coming here. Portions are generous and food is always so so good. Every time we go we have a great experience. The staff is always very welcoming and makes you feel like you're at home read more

Traditional Cuban diner, with good food and good service. The ropa vieja was delicious. The sandwiches come covered in fries, as does the Rio Cristal steak. The fries were just okay, but everything else was tasty. The decor is typical of an older Cuban diner; nothing fancy, but it's clean. read more

Original Rio Cristal - ropa vieja - Cuban Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Rio Cristal is a classic Cuban diner that keeps it old school from the menu to the service. Let me start with an apology; we were starving and the food was amazing so the pictures are of what was left. We ordered the breaded chicken steak with rice and maduros and the breaded steak with fries. Both ON POINT with seasoning and the fry on both was so crispy...absolutely delicious. We always order some diced green onions to go on top of the steaks for that extra flavor. Finished our meal with a flan topped with coconut...a very worthy sugar rush! Big portion Cuban comfort food and reasonable prices. Of course we keep coming back. read more

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Classic Cuban restaurant beloved by The community. The food is always good as is the service. The prices have really gone up but then again that's expected with the high price of meat. The only thing I noticed needs improvement are the tostones. Whoever is doing them now doesn't know how to make them. They were always crispy and tender in the center. What I was served this weekend were soggy and oily tostones that I couldn't even eat. Remember--the oil needs to be very, very hot when you drop the plantain in otherwise you end up with what you served. read more

I'm a long time fan of Rio Cristal, however the last two times I've been here it's gone from bad to worse. In July 2023 the bread was hard and stale, the Palomilla steak had a spoiled flavor, and it just wasn't the same as it used to be. The service was better than usual and the place was updated and looked nicer than it used to, but the food is just not good anymore. Very sad to say I will not be back. read more

Es una pena la tradición de un gran restaurant por tantos años aquí que mi familia es de Winnie de San Nicolás de Bari y los conoce que ha cambiado tanto bajo la nueva administración Río Krystal ya no es Río Krystal antes servía un bistec bueno de palomilla ahora es una telita de a lo mejor Cañada yo no sé qué carajo han perdido toda la credibilidad están perdiendo mucho cliente y por lo tanto su gran nombre read more

SO many times YES, YES, and more YES. This place is so nostalgic for me as I grew up coming here as a kid. My mom and I would always share the chicken, fries, rice and beans. It is my go to order here. The service is usually an old Cuban grandma or grandpa figure and the food is very homey. Yes prices have gone up, but the food remains the same and I think that is what matters. This is a family owned restaurant and we need to take care of and support these gems! COVID was hard for all businesses and Rio Cristal will have my business always. I drive down from Fort Lauderdale to come eat here! read more

Rio Cristal gives customers a Cuban diner experience. We arrived on a Friday for dinner, there was no wait time but the restaurant was filling up quickly. It definitely looks like a spot for locals. The menu has most things you'd expect from a Cuban restaurant. I ordered the pan con bistec with fries. The portion of fries is absurd. Can definitely share with another person. The fries had an unexpected sweetness. The steak was delicious and soft, it was cooked perfectly. For dessert we ordered a flan, it was pretty good. The portion is for two people, or one if you have a sweet tooth. Their cafecito came in the cutest coffee cups! The coffee was a 10/10. read more

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My husband and I ate lunch here today and the food was terrible . The steak was so thin you could almost see thru it , the butter bread was soggy ,the fries were cool ,the black beans tasted liked canned black beans .So disappointed we will never eat there again . The food use to be very good . read more

The BEST Cuban Food in Miami. Worth the trip Great food, great service, great ambiance Under new owners: "Foodies" Stop and trie it read more

Service was great, we were seated quickly and the waiter brought bread and water right away. We had the frituras de malangas as the appetizer, which were delicious. For our entree we had the super rio cristal, which is a large palomilla-style steak (enough for two to share) with a mountain of their famous fries. They have made a few changes to clean the place up, but the decor is still dated and could use a refresh. read more

Food quality awful. I found a long black hair on my fries. The steak is now a sheet of paper, inedible. And they raised the price of the steak and reduce the thickness of the steak. Go figure. The buttered bread is served untoasted, and a drop of butter. The fries were cool and soggy, not hot and crispy. At least they got rid of some of the booths that only skinny people fit on. Had a bad experience. Do not recommend this place anymore. read more

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