Few local restaurants have as loyal a following as
Guajiros Miami Eatery.
On weekends, newcomers and regulars alike flock to West Main Street, sometimes happily waiting an hour to get inside and dig into the mouth-watering Cuban dishes inspired by the flavors and culture of Miami and south Florida.
The eatery is owned and run by the Mayorga family, and it’s been a family affair every step of the way.
Three brothers run the restaurant day-to-day: Danilo Mayorga takes care of the front of the house, Harvey Mayorga Jr. curates cocktails, and Sebastian Mayorga runs the kitchen. Their father, Harvey Sr., keeps the books while mother, Jacqueline Roque, contributes family recipes—dishes she served to her children for years are now on the restaurant’s menu. Sometimes, you’ll see sisters Bessie and Dora, as well as Harvey Jr.’s wife Carla Chavez-Mayorga with their children, littlest Harvey and Eva.
For the Mayorgas, who are Nicaraguan in nationality and Miamian by American dream, their food is a way of celebrating diversity.
“I don’t want to be labeled as a Nicaraguan restaurant,” says Harvey Jr., “because we want to have the melting pot of cultures.”
The menu includes all-day breakfast, sweet Cuban-style coffee, refreshing cocktails, and occasional specials. The classic Cuban with ham, seasoned pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard is one of the most popular items, and for dessert Mama Guajiros famous tres leches is a must-try.