RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT – Spanish
Westchester Cuban legend on Southwest 40th Street, founded in 1974 by José 'Pepe' Acosta and famous for the Super Río Cristal — palomilla steak buried under crispy papitas. Lechón asado, house ribs, chicken steak, tostones, flan, and a homemade tres leches carry the decades-old recipes the family rescued and keeps alive, under the founder's motto that the food is good and the customers are the best. Closed Mondays, with takeout, delivery, catering, and online ordering. It suits Westchester's palomilla faithful, papitas-on-steak traditionalists, tres-leches pilgrims, and Cubans who eat their history by the plate.
9872 Bird RD, Miami, FL, 33165 +1-305-223-2357 https://originalriocristal.com/0Cuisine: Spanish
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
Dairy-Free at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 13 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Boiled Cassava, Malanga Fritters and Skirt Steak (10 oz). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 8 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Boiled Cassava, Skirt Steak (10 oz) and Roasted Pork. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 16 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Caramel Flan, Boiled Cassava and Malanga Fritters. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Skirt Steak (10 oz), Homemade Croquettes and Vaca Frita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 3 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Skirt Steak (10 oz), Vaca Frita and Wine Mojito. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 5 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Skirt Steak (10 oz), Homemade Croquettes and Vaca Frita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Skirt Steak (10 oz). Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT in Miami has 9 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Boiled Cassava, Malanga Fritters and Malanga Chips. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Croquettes | 0.9 g | 63.7 g |
| Don Pepe Burger | 108.3 g | 43 g |
| Croqueta Preparada | 14.5 g | 33.3 g |
| Vaca Frita | 2.6 g | 24.7 g |
| Milk Shake | 194.1 g | 23.7 g |
| Loaded Tostones | 16.5 g | 18 g |
| Skirt Steak (10 oz) | 1.4 g | 14 g |
| Cuban Sandwich | 15.7 g | 11.4 g |
| Steak Sandwich | 15.2 g | 9.2 g |
| Wine Mojito | 5.4 g | 7.3 g |
| Black Beans | 12.2 g | 7.1 g |
| Sangria | 37.1 g | 6.9 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- "openingHours":["Mo - Sunday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00"] PM
Menu
Appetizers
- Malanga Fritters: Frituras de Malanga Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tamale in Casserole: Fresh ground corn seasoned and cooked over low heat Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheese Nest with Guava Sauce: Fried mix gouda, Swiss and mozzarella cheese balls with guava marmalade Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Malanga Chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Loaded Tostones: Tostones montados with beef, crab imitation and shrimp Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Homemade Croquettes: Chicken, cod, or ham Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, South-Beach Available at: dinner, lunch
- Loaded Malanga Chips: Ground beef, American cheese, pico de gallo, cheese, avocado Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Cassava: Yuca frita Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fried Chickpeas: Sautéed chickpeas with assorted sausages Available at: dinner, lunch
- Plantain Mariquitas: Fried plantain chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Super Rio Cristal: Signature palomilla steak topped with a generous portion of thin crispy fries Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef in tomato sauce Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera: Yellow rice, chicken leg quarter and beer Available at: dinner, lunch
- Breaded Chicken Milanesa: Breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce, ham and cheese Available at: dinner, lunch
- John Bill Fish Fillet: Shrimp on Mahi-Mahi au gratin Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp in Creole Sauce: Camarones Enchilados Dietary tags: Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vaca Frita: Flat iron grilled shredded beef Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Liver Italian Style: Higado a la Italiana Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Skirt Steak (10 oz): Churrasco on the flat iron Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Roasted Pork: Cerdo Asado topped with Cuban mojo (Weekend only) Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Don Pepe Burger: Cuban bread, 10oz meat, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, crispy onion, cilantro and spicy mayo sauces Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cuban Sandwich: Roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Croqueta Preparada: Ham, cheese, two croquettes Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak Sandwich: Pan con Bistec: Beef steak, lettuce, tomatoes, onion Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- White Rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Black Beans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Moro Rice Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Boiled Cassava: Yuca Hervida Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tostones - $1.5: Fried green plantains Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Tres Leches Cake: Housemade Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Caramel Flan: Flan de Caramelo Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Crema Catalana: Crème brûlée style Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Guava Cheesecake Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Cuban Coffee with Milk: Café con leche Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Sangria: Glass
- Wine Mojito Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Atkins, Low-Cholesterol, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free
- Malta Dietary tags: Halal, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Milk Shake
Frequently Asked Questions about RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT
- Is RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT has 13 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Boiled Cassava, Malanga Fritters and Skirt Steak (10 oz).
- What can I eat at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT on a dairy-free diet?
- Boiled Cassava, Malanga Fritters and Skirt Steak (10 oz) carry the dairy-free tag, out of 13 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT have vegan options?
- Yes. 9 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Boiled Cassava and Malanga Fritters.
- Is RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT gluten-free?
- 8 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at RIO CRISTAL RESTAURANT?
- Homemade Croquettes, at roughly 63.7g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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