A colorful cantina with deep Mexican roots, grounded by a love for food and family, Paquito's Mexican Restaurant has been a North Miami staple since 1990. Well-known for its authentic cuisine, festive atmosphere, jumping sports bar, and live Mariachi music every Sunday, Paquito's delivers a true taste of Mexico.
With a menu that features a wide variety of favorites, including nachos, enchiladas, and fajitas, every dish is prepared with careful thought and fresh ingredients, inspired by family recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Co-founder and owner, Luis Alonso, was inspired by his mom, Alicia Marquez’ to open Paquito's 34 years ago. Alecia, who established her own restaurant in Mexico City using her family’s homemade recipes, migrated to America in the 70s with hopes of sharing her love for Mexican food with her new South Florida community.
Encouraged by his mother’s passion for Mexican cuisine, Luis and his wife Teresa were inspired to establish a restaurant that would feature a menu filled with Alonso family traditional homemade recipes in North Miami Beach. Founded in 1990, Paquito's Mexican Restaurant is known for revolutionizing the way people eat and enjoy food, taking pride in discovering the most unique flavors from their ancestor’s recipes and sharing them with locals and tourists alike.
Tucked away in the corner of a strip mall off of busy US1, the restaurant might seem small from the outside, but once inside, it’s surprisingly spectacular, with a 200 customer seating capacity and vibrant decor that resembles Cinco de Mayo all year long.
Latin Vibes
And this year, on the fifth of May, the celebration was another huge success. La Pachanga Bar, connected to Paquito's Restaurant, is a large sports bar that’s been serving locals and out-of-towners for 34 years. Known across South Florida for its lively Latina atmosphere and vibrant nightlife, La Pachanga’s vibe complements the equally festive Paquito's restaurant menu.
Sports Fan Hot Spot
With a capacity to seat over 200 guests, 9 Plasma TVs, 2 overhead projectors, and 99” projection screen, sports fans from all over South Florida flock to this Miami hot spot for events from Miami Dolphins on Sundays and Monday Nights, the Super Bowl, and March Madness. Airing just about every sport being broadcast at any given time, groups of customers have been known to come in together but watch separate events on one of the bar’s 10 big screens.
This year, customers are already looking forward to watching the US compete against countries throughout the world at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, August 11 on NBC.
Local Loyals
The Paquito customer base is a mix of loyal locals whose families have been regulars at the restaurant for over 30 years and tempted tourists who can’t resist the vibe of this authentic, colorful, and flavorful Biscayne Blvd. destination.
In the same spirit that started it all, co-Founders and owners, Luis and Teresa Alonso, along with their son and CEO, Francisco Alonso, have kept their mother and grandmother’s vision alive for over three decades, bringing the cuisine, culture, and character of Mexico to South Florida.
No matter what time of the year it may be, customers from all over come South Florida come to Paquitos for mouthwatering Mexican delights, from the restaurant’s signature dish, Steak Paquito's, Crispy Nachos, and Sizzling Fajitas to their icy cold cocktail menu and beer selections. And thanks to their direct-order delivery service, customers can order directly from the website or their social media pages.
The Paquitos Crew, led by Managers, Martin, Kira & Alejandra.
IG @paquitosmexican
FB @PaquitosMexican
TikTok @Paquitosmexican
YouTube @Paquitosmexican
Thread @paquitosmexican
Twitter @paquitosmexican
What’s Cooking?
With a massive menu to satisfy every taste bud, there are over 20 starters, a wide variety of steak, chicken, and pork dishes, and an array of seafood and vegetarian specialties, including:
Fan-Fave Appetizers
Mexican Pizza
A crispy 10" flour tortilla covered with melted cheese and a choice of ground beef or seasoned shredded chicken with black olives, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, tomato and jalapeño rings.
Sopes
Two thick corn flour shells filled with refried beans, tomatillo sauce topped with fresh white cheese and sour cream.
Taquitos Dorados
Four corn tortillas rolled and deep fried until golden brown with your choice of shredded beef or shredded chicken, served on a bed of lettuce and garnished with sour cream and guacamole.
Paquito's Nachos
Crispy corn tortillas topped with refried beans, melted cheese and Mexican chorizo. Garnished with sour cream, jalapeño peppers and guacamole.
Popular Dishes
Steak Paquito's
The menu’s signature dish, made with thinly sliced grilled angus steak, tossed in creamy jalapeño and onion sauce.
Paquito's Fajitas
Choice of marinated sliced beef, chicken or pork grilled with onions, green peppers, mushrooms and cherry tomatoes. Served on a sizzling hot steel plate accompanied with Mexican rice, refried beans and house salad topped with guacamole.
Big Fish Tacos
3 crispy battered fried fish on a flour tortilla with lettuce, radish and cilantro topped with our homemade chipotle aioli. Served with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Mexican Steak Sandwich
Sliced Angus steak served on a fresh burger bun with a spread of refried beans, topped with pico de gallo and queso blanco.
Tacos Al Pastor
Three pork tacos marinated in our ancho sauce, grilled with diced pineapples and topped with onions and cilantro. Served with Mexican rice and refried beans.
Enchiladas de Mole Poblano
The unique recipe for this traditional Mexican dish was brought to America by Abuela (Grandmother) Alicia Marquez. Made with unique flavors like chocolate and spices that are carefully mixed to create an explosion of flavors, this creation was the inspiration behind Enchiladas de Mole Poblano and Paquito’s Enchiladas de mole.
Happy Hour
While just about every hour is happy when you step inside the bar, there is a special Happy Hour bar menu to whet guests’ taste buds. From crispy tacos and nachos to quesadillas and jalapeno poppers, there’s a wide selection of snacks to complement the refreshing cocktails or Las Chelas Frias (Ice Cold Beer).
What's "On Tap"
A selection of wine, beer, and cocktails are available in both the restaurant and bar, with fan favorites that include:
Blue Margarita
Premium silver tequila with homemade sour mix.
El Beso de Luz
Premium silver tequila, Q drinks grapefruit, touch of lime juice.
Paquitos Flaquita Margarita
Premium silver tequila, fresh lime juice, agave.
Black Diamond Margarita
Premium tequila, blackberry puree, fresh lime juice and volcanic black salt.
Offering direct delivery through Sauce to customers as far away as 20 miles in every direction, Paquito's popular delivery items include a variety of classic dishes, popular for their portability, ease of consumption, and the flavorful, comforting nature of traditional Mexican cuisine.
"Sauce has one of the best customer service, always on top of everything," offered Natacha Olivo, Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager for Paquito's.
"Anything we need they are willing to help. And we have more consistency with our deliveries."
Cover shot: Owners, Luis, Teresa, and Francisco Alonso
Contact
Owners: Luis, Teresa, and Francisco Alonso
Natacha Olivo, Social Media and Digital Marketing Manager
16265 Biscayne Blvd, North Miami Beach, FL
305-947-5027
By Eileen Strauss
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