Yes, those crowds waiting for a table on a Friday night are preposterous. True, I could replicate many of the dishes at home. I'm with you on the spotty service: it sucks. And why wait until 11:00 to open for brunch on Sunday? Despite the long list of complaints, the good outweighs the bad at Lauriol Plaza. You just have to know what you are doing to enjoy its highlights. First, don't go on a Friday or Saturday night. That's just asking for trouble. You also need to know what to order. The best dish, in my opinion, is the Masitas de Puerco. Pork with bitter oranges, Cuban style, served with fried plantains, black beans, and rice. Sure, the cooks turn over quicker than pancakes, so food consistency is a problem, but it usually ranges from good to great, never bad, and at $11.50, they are practically giving that pork away. Speaking of another reason to love Lauriol -- it's recession-ready. And did I mention the tortillas? Tortillas so soft you could use them as a pillow, and, of course, there are the chips and salsa. Other dish recommendations? The creamy Enchiladas de Mariscos or Chicken Fajitas, a solid standby. The Huevos Entomatados is a wise choice at brunch.
I know, I know, there are enough reviews, thoughts, opinions, about Lauriol Plaza out there already. All I'm saying is that Lauriol is my go-to neighborhood spot for a casual weekday dinner or a great brunch, especially when price point matters, my stomach is growling, and turning on the stove makes me want to jump off the Memorial Bridge. Not a resounding endorsement, but it is what it is.
