Checking hours… 9872 SW 40th Street · Westchester, Miami (305) 223-2357
Westchester · Miami · Since 1974

The Cuban kitchen that takes you home.

Fifty years of palomilla, mojo and crispy papitas. Pepe’s recipes, rescued by family and served with the same warmth that made Río Cristal a Miami institution.

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1974Founded by José “Pepe” Acosta
3Generations at the table
1Legendary Super Río Cristal
Masitas de cerdo with mojo onions at Original Río Cristal
“Tres leches worth the trip.”Real housemade, every day.
The original Río Cristal dining room
The original dining room on SW 40th Street.
Our History

A legacy you can taste.

Since 1974, Original Río Cristal has been a meeting place in the heart of Westchester for generations seeking authenticity, quality and that timeless homemade touch.

Founded by José Acosta “Pepe,” the restaurant earned its fame with the legendary Super Río Cristal — a palomilla steak crowned with a mountain of crispy French fries. Through difficult times, the family rescued his legacy, and today we honor it with a touch of modern elegance.

1974 — The beginningPepe opens Río Cristal on SW 40th Street.
The Super Río CristalA palomilla steak and papitas become a Miami legend.
The rescueThe family brings the original recipes back home.
TodayFully refurbished, live music, same flavor you remember.
Illustration of founder José “Pepe” Acosta
“Our food is good, but our customers are the best.”
José “Pepe” Acosta · Founder
Flavor with Tradition

The classics, made just right.

The dishes that built our name. Recipes that have graced Miami tables for five decades, served with pride at every meal.

Super Río Cristal palomilla steak topped with fries The Legend
N° 01

Super Río Cristal

Pepe’s palomilla steak, crowned with a generous mountain of crispy papitas. The dish that made us famous.

Ropa vieja
N° 02

Ropa Vieja

Slow-braised shredded beef in a rich criollo tomato sauce.

Don Pepe Burger
N° 03

“Don Pepe” Burger

Cuban bread, 10 oz beef, bacon, crispy onion, spicy mayo.

Homemade croquetas
N° 04

Croquetas Caseras

Chicken, bacalao and ham, made in-house.

Tres leches cake
N° 05

Tres Leches

Real, housemade, and worth every spoonful.

Visit us & order online

However you like it.

Dine in with live music, pick up on the way home, or bring Río Cristal to your next family celebration.

Dine In

A refurbished dining room, warm service and live music. Same table, same flavor — a little more elegant.

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Delivery & Pickup

Your favorites, delivered hot to your door through our partners.

DoorDashUber EatsSeamlessPostmates
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Catering & Events

Bandejas of croquetas, lechón and arroz con pollo for birthdays, offices and every celebration in between.

Plan your event →
What our guests say

Like family, every visit.

★★★★★
“Tres leches is worth it — real housemade. Live music, very soothing even for the kids. Very pretty and very clean.”
G
GiselleFamily dinner
★★★★★
“Welcoming from the moment you walk in. Every dish is bursting with flavor and prepared with evident care.”
M
Melany MartinezGuest review
★★★★★
“Happy to see the place refurbished. Still the best palomilla, chicken steak and those wonderful fries. Flan out of this world!”
B
Bernardo SpinradLongtime regular
Find us

Your table is waiting.

In the heart of Westchester since 1974. Come for the Super Río Cristal, stay for the cafecito.

9872 SW 40th Street, Miami, FL (305) 223-2357
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Opening Hours —

  • Tuesday – Thursday12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • Friday & Saturday12:00 – 10:00 PM
  • Sunday12:00 – 9:00 PM
  • MondayClosed · New hours coming
Lunch Specials · Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 – 4:00 PM
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