City: Miami, FL

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (305) 856-2424

Address: 2465 SW 17th Ave., North Of Coconut Grov

Description: Figuratively and literally a hidden gem, El Carajo is located inside a gas station (and a BP station at that). Once you get past the pumps and the bags of Fritos, several arches lead you to what looks like the hold of a Spanish vessel about to set sail to the New World. While the novelty of the restaurant’s location may naturally garner some attention, it is really the food that keeps the crowds coming back. Traditional tapas dishes like tortilla espanola, marinated olives, and fried squid are beautifully executed. A rotating selection of paellas comes with a disclaimer that they are only for the adventurous. For dessert, be sure to order the flan, which may cause some to purposefully let their gas gauge go to E. There are over 2,000 bottles of wine to choose from but be prepared to pay the $10 corkage fee.