El Rey De Las Fritas is a family-run Cuban counter restaurant at 1821 SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho) in Miami‘s Little Havana, famous for the frita cubana, a spiced ground-beef burger topped with crisp julienne fries on a Cuban bread bun. Founded in 1979 by Victoriano “Benito” Gonzalez and his wife Angelina “La Gallega” Gonzalez, it keeps a retro, no-frills dining room and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at budget prices, which is why locals and food-focused visitors keep returning.
What to Expect at El Rey De Las Fritas
The Gonzalez family sold fritas in Cuba until 1968, left the island, reached Miami in 1973, and opened the restaurant in 1979. Today their children, Mercedes and Yamil Gonzalez, run the business. The house patty is 100% ground beef seasoned with a secret family blend of herbs and spices, finished with finely cut onions and homemade julienne fries, then wrapped in a soft Cuban bread bun. Expect a casual counter-and-tables setup where orders come out fast and the griddle is working constantly.
The frita is the reason to come, but the menu also carries dozens of Cuban dishes, and daily specials change, so it is worth calling ahead at +1 305-644-6054 or asking at the counter. Because the restaurant opens at 8 AM, it works as a breakfast stop as well as a burger lunch. The family has also opened other Miami locations, including in Hialeah, on Bird Road and on Flagler, but the SW 8th Street address is the one most visitors seek out.
- La Original Frita Cubana: The signature burger with seasoned beef, onions and a pile of fresh-cut julienne fries on Cuban bread.
- Frita Especial: The original frita with a slice of cheese of your choice.
- Frita A Caballo: The original topped with a fried egg for a richer, runnier bite.
- Frita Suprema: The fullest version, with fried cheese, sweet plantains and a fried egg.
- Daily Cuban specials: Rotating plates beyond the burgers, announced by phone or at the counter.
El Rey De Las Fritas at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1821 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Little Havana (Calle Ocho corridor) |
| Operating Hours | Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 10 PM; Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | No admission; budget dining ($) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metrobus routes along SW 8th St and nearby corridors; street and small-lot parking in the area |
| Official Website & Phone | elreydelasfritas.com | +1 305-644-6054 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive just after the 8 AM opening or in the mid-afternoon lull to avoid the lunch rush, when the counter and tables fill with workers and families. Walk-ins are the norm; there is no formal reservation system, so expect to order, find a seat and eat quickly. The restaurant also offers delivery through its official website if you would rather eat at your hotel. Street parking along SW 8th Street is limited and often metered, so allow a few extra minutes to find a space or use a nearby lot, and check Miami-Dade Transit for current Metrobus routes serving the Calle Ocho corridor.
The dining room is an older, casual space, so travelers who use wheelchairs or strollers should confirm entrance and seating layout by phone before visiting. After eating, walk the Calle Ocho strip, where Little Havana’s cigar shops, bakeries and domino players at Maximo Gomez Park are a short stroll or quick drive away, and Cuban coffee windows make an easy follow-up for a cafecito.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours at El Rey De Las Fritas?
The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 10 PM and on Sunday from 8 AM to 8 PM. Mornings and mid-afternoon are the calmest times, while lunch and dinner see the most traffic.
How much does it cost and do I need a reservation?
It sits in the budget tier ($), with fritas priced as casual counter meals. Reservations are not typically needed; walk in and order. Call +1 305-644-6054 for current prices and daily specials.
How long should I plan to stay?
Plan 30 to 60 minutes for a meal. Add time if you want to explore Calle Ocho on foot afterward.
Is it good for families and what should I order first?
Yes, the casual atmosphere and burger-based menu suit families and groups. First-timers should start with the La Original Frita Cubana, then try the Frita Especial or Frita A Caballo on a return visit.
When planning your Miami travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and breakfast restaurant in Miami, pair this stop with standout local spots including Faena Hotel Miami Beach, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, The Hampton Social – Brickell Miami, and Sanguich Little Havana (0.3 km away).
