Madrono Restaurant

 

1

5

Danny F.

Miami, FL

Contrary to others, the food is only what you make of it. Like life! No, just kidding. It does depend on what you order. Get the wrong menu choice, you'll be overcharged for something you could have gotten at any fritanga for 2 dollars less!

However, don't mind the frou frou pseudo-modern interior design, order something good and you'll be more than happy. My personal favorite is the bistec entomatado with white rice and french fries. The sauce is incredible, the meat is tender (medium well), and the rest is pretty good too.

SO, though this place may not have stellar hosts or the best look, you can get an incredible taste of Nicaragua, if you order the right thing. If your confused, just ask your waiter!

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Elite '08

33

381

cindy w.

Miami, FL

In Miami where tons of Latin eateries open up, ethnic restaurants live and die by the loyalty of their patrons.  Madrono was servicable but didn't leave me a reason to come back.  It was my first introduction to Nicaraguan food but looking at the menu I didn't find stuff I couldn't get elsewhere at other latin restaraunts. I ordered a small plate of tacos for an appetizer-style meal and I was given 3 deep-fried taco "rolls", so that was different. Tried the passion fruit soda that was awesome. Don't try the desserts, they look like they were manufactured elsewhere and not made on site, especially the tres leches.

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Elite '08

27

821

JD N.

Miami, FL

This place is average. Very average. I was a bit disappointed, because this place has been hyped up by a lot of people I know. And not only that, but the cleanliness, a nice-looking menu and the "trendier" decor (you'll know what I mean if you've gone to Nicaraguan fritangas around Miami) also hyped up my expectations - but they all came down when the food was really very typical of Nicaraguan fritanga fare. Just because of the pretentiousness this place seems to want to have without realizing what they're really offering, I'm taking away an extra star. If you want the same stuff, go to another fritanga, save maybe more than a buck and two, bear with the more downscale environment, and get the same food or better!

As for the food, there was a lot of beans, plantains, and a really subpar salad was served with my carne asada.

But to credit it where it's due, the carne asada had a good citrusy flavor that is not common in other fritangas I've visited.

And the tres leches was not that bad, but it was not homemade either. You can find the same stuff elsewhere ("manufactured" for your convenience, of course).

And on top of that, I didn't find the staff to be well knowledgable in customer service although the water glass never went empty. Oh, and 15% tip is automatically added to the bill here.

Overall, I'm definitely not returning to this establishment.

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2

17

Nicholas A.

Miami, FL

Cafe Madrono was bigger than I thought it would be.  My girlfriend and I came in with a fair sized group of Yelpers, so I wasn't sure we'd be seated immediately.  Since it was Thursday, though, I had no worries.  The restaurant was pretty much empty, so all was well.  

I had Nicaraguan pork chops with grilled onions and rice with fries.  One thing Madrono does well is value for money.  My plate was covered with food and it was all about 8 bucks, and with side salad even!

The chops were fine, but the rice was dried out and the fries would have been forgettable had it not been for some awesome pink sauce the brought to the table.  It tastes like a close cousin to Spanish ali-oli.  Desert was the biggest disappointment.  My gf and I split a tres leches which we're sure was not made in house.  Other people had good luck with Nicaraguan coffee, served with peculiarly salty mini-cookies.

Madrono is a fine place to go if you're in the area, but not really worth any kind of special trip

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3

31

Amelia C.

Germantown, MD

If you want awesome Nicaraguan food this is definitely the place.  There is usually a wait (since all the Nicaraguans in the area come here to eat) but it's worth the wait.  The service is WONDERFUL and the food is even better.  If you're in Miami you should take a detour to eat here.  You won't regret it!!!

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