I and my wife have been coming here for we'll over a decade... thought it might be time to update the review... spoiler alert... they're as good as always! Very friendly service. Delicious fresh pastelitos, sweets, bread, flan... A wide selection! This is a fantastic place to get party platters! Everyone in Miami has a favorite Cuban pastry and coffee place. This is mine. No one seems to make tostada quite as good as they do; a perfect compliment to a cafe con leche - oscuro of course. I love their bacalao (cod) croquetas, delicious to smash between pieces of tostada. This is strictly an interior service counter... only a couple small stand-up places to eat on-site in the hustle and bustle. Best take your order to-go, it's the polite thing to do so others can get a parking spot! After writing this, I know where I'm headed tomorrow morning!! read more

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Solid and Consistent Cuban Bakery. When the chickens are outside to greet you at arrival you know that's a good sign but beware they probably don't speak English either. I've been coming to El Brazo Fuerte for years now. And their cuban pastries are solid. The ladies are always nice and friendly. I've never had a bad experience here. Would recommend when in the area. read more

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Compré una menesier de guayaba, y era como un chicle la masa de guayaba. Pareciera que fuera de hace tiempo hecha. Mucha harina esa q es como redonda, q no era la q yo pedi. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Menesier de guayaba - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Outstanding selection of freshly made Cuban pastries plus hour before closing all inventory is half priced!! Service was friendly, fast, and efficient. Bakery is well organized with many displays of their products. Parking in front of ample but could get busy. Central Coral Way area. read more

Visite este Bakery por alrededor 16 años y no tuve quejas con los productos o servicio. Todos más las celebraciones familiares eran con sus productos. Ahora vivo fuera de Miami, quería visitar pronto y trato de encontrar menu y precio pero solo aparece precios para paquetes, ya sea bandejas de pasteles o los especiales para celebraciones. No puedo hallar precios para producto individual. Mi hija lo visitó hace unos días y le cargaron $38.00 por 6 pasteles de coco y 3 panes cubanos. Lo que me pareció una verdadera locura. Entiendo la situación actual pero tampoco es el caso que haya que perder un órgano para degustar unos pasteles. Espero haya sido un error. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery is always my first stop whenever I'm visiting Miami! The moment I step inside, I know I'm in for a treat. The ladies who work here are incredible! They always treat me and my family so well, making us feel like part of the bakery family. I'm obsessed with their pastel de tuna and pizza pastels because they're absolutely delicious! The pastel de tuna is perfectly flaky, with a savory tuna filling that's always fresh and flavorful. And the pizza pastel is a delightful combination of cheesy goodness inside a pastry that melts in your mouth, but are often sold out, so come in early for those. Another superb treat is their pan de bono, especially when it's warm. The cheesy, slightly sweet flavor is simply irresistible and makes for the perfect snack any time of day. The pastry sandwiches are another favorite, always made with fresh ingredients and that signature flaky crust. Everything here is just spot on, from the food to the friendly atmosphere. It's a place where the quality of service matches the quality of the food, and that's what keeps me coming back time and time again. The location also sells a huge line of sandwiches and desserts as well. Go there if you are feeling very hungry. Absolute gem! read more

This bakery was recommended by an acquaintance and I was not disappointed Their pastelitos de carne are amazing And a lot curan pastries to choose from. The girls behind the register are attentive and helpful. A little slow but the wait worth to enjoy a delicious snack I came back and order a birthday cake for my mother and was fresh, delicious and lovely marked on the too Vanilla cake with custard filling and Italian meringue ($35) You can't go wrong here The birthday package also comes with bocaditos de jamón y croquetas. Highly recommended read more

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Cutest old school and tasty Cuban Bakery! The Cuban sandwiches were amazing. Had to come back before my flight to buy more they were so big and delicious. read more

This place is simply amazing! I recently tried the croquettes and these have to be the most amazing croquettes I have ever had. The desserts are great too. This place gets super busy too. I love the chocolate eclair. Delicious. They have a wide assortment of desserts, pastries, coffee, and cakes for purchase. Very good . All occasions. I've eaten here multiple times and would go back for sure. Flavors are amazing! read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Most amazing croquettes ever eaten! - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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I came around 7am on Saturday and it was deserted. They don't speak English at all really so I had to practice my Spanish and I got by, although the majority of pastries didn't even have signs in Spanish so I felt like I was missing out an a lot. I also ate at Pastel Mania bakery the morning after, so comparing the two whenever I got similar ones. Guayaba queso: this was my favorite of the bunch. The pastry is a bit croissant-like and flaky, while the filling is a nice balance between the cheese and guava. This is definitely a MUST HAVE. Senorita: Girlfriend liked the custard here more than Mania, but the pastry layers were very soggy here. The dulce de leche on top was one of the best I've ever tasted though - it tasted more caramel-like to me. Palmera: it was very flaky, but liked butteriness. It was more sugary-sweet than anything, although the chocolate dip was a nice accompaniment. Pizza Pastel: it's a cream cheese, tomato sauce, and chorizo(?) mix that surprisingly blended well together, although not a must have in my opinion. Chorizo Empanada: it was a standard empanada, and the meat had a lot of 'meat juice' to it, if that makes sense. There was a lot of flavor to it, but something about it fell flat. Preparado: the ham was a bit overly salty, but good as a standard 'sandwich'. Bacalao (codfish) croquette: this was good, and I'd like it better than Mania - maybe a bit crispier. read more

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One of my co-workers bought everyone mini pastelitos from here at Christmas time. Sadly, I have no pictures because I scarfed them down so quickly. These were some of the best pastelitos I've had in Miami. I'll update my review once I get to check the bakery out in person, but based on flavor alone, I am love with this place. read more

This is the quintessential Miami Cuban bakery, definitely not a tourist trap. There's nothing fancy here, very few of the staff speak English, it's easier if you just point to what you want. Established in 1978, this is a Miami staple. There's no places to sit, this is takeout ONLY. The service is quick and efficient, they do have a credit card minimum so you might want to bring cash. read more

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In A Nutshell: -El Brazo Fuerte Bakery is a low-key, but highly popular among locals Cuban bakery. -You'll find a wide assortment of goodies that will satisfy your cravings. -I really enjoyed their powerful Cuban coffee, which I asked for 4 servings which is pretty deadly & they warned me that I would not sleep. -The customer service here is great, especially if you can speak Spanish, but if you can't one of the lovely gals who work there will be able to help. Overall, I really like this Cuban bakery, check them out! read more

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We were looking for some pastelitos and read this was a good place to try them. Covid-19: this is probably the most uncomfortable I've been in a restaurant in the pandemic. Luckily, most people had masks on, but it was so crowded. You have to take a number and wait for it to be called, so there's no line. We tried to wait outside and look at the board to see what number they were on, but they don't update it. It's really hard to hear what number they're calling. As for the pastries, we got a guava pastelito and a guava and cheese pastelito. Both were quite delicious. The filling was my favorite part, but the pastry was light and flaky. The pastries were good, but you wouldn't find me back at a place this crowded until the pandemic is over. read more

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Stopped in here to grab some breakfast pastries on a Saturday morning. Wanted to find something authentic and it was just that! The guava and guava and cheese pastelitos were heavenly, perfect crisp outside and soft and sweet inside. Also got the mini empanada con carne and con espinaca and both were amazing. When I first walked in nobody helped me for a few minutes and I almost left but luckily I was shortly helped at the counter and got a box of goods! read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Pastelitos de Guayaba, Pastelitos de Guayaba y Queso, Empanada con carne, Empanada con espinaca - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Haven't been here in several years. Stopped for a quick snack. Got a cafe con leche that was delicious and 2 ham croquetas that were ok. Staff is super friendly. I noticed they have several cameras all over the place so don't try any funny business. Parking in the front and if you're there when school is closed, you can park in front of school. I didn't see prices listed anywhere. My total was $5 something. Not bad at all. Go check them out! read more

One of the oldest and best Cuban bakeries in Miami. I have been coming here all my life from ordering pastelitos, croquetas, señoritas and capuchinos. I have ordered my kids cakes here as well and they are always great. To end most of the counter staff are old ladies that have been working here for 20 years or more. If you are in the area come on in a try anything you will not be disappointed. El Brazo Fuerte means The Strong Arm. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Absolutely delicious papas rellenas, croquetas, guayaba pastries, and colada. This was a go-to breakfast spot for my boyfriend and I during our vacation. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - a variety of baked goods - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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¡DELICIOSO! As you can see, it was difficult to stick to only a couple things. Unfortunately I wouldn't be able to name what we ordered besides a couple things: - Seniorita: layers of pastry, caramel, and crème - Guavara: pastry filled with guava and crème - Croquetta tuna - Croquetta spinach - pastry filled with cheese - pastry filled with guava And two Cuban coffees with regular cream and sugar It was challenging to remember my high school Spanish. However, we were able to communicate alright through hand gestures, and smiles. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The staff is amazing and everything that I picked (4 items) tasted delicious the spinach stuffed Empanada was my absolute favorite the Cuban bread is very soft. The chicken empanada also very good. Would 100% return read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Dolce, the Leche and guava empanada - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

This bakery is a staple in the (305) community. We've been coming to this unpretentious family-owned bakery for decades where they still make old-fashion Cuban wedding & birthday cakes out of buttercream and moist panetela & homemade vanilla custard. You can still find childhood cake toppers like strawberry shortcake, barbies and more. The place is small and one has to take a number to be called. With everything, the honor system is recommended since the ladies behind the counter, that have been around for decades, can overlook your number simply because the place gets really packed. They take your order the old-school way on a piece of paper and they know what everything costs...an unbelievable memory and one that I would love to have...! The pastry goods are simply delicious, fresh and always on point. This may be the only bakery where you can still find good size pastelitos of all types, Cuban palmeras & Chiviricos (fried dough) for a fraction of the cost of some of the more hIgh-end Cuban bakeries. If you haven't already, check them out. It'll remind you of how the Cuban bakeries use to be - simple, unpretentious, family friendly and plain Ol' delicious... Bon Appétit..! read more

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Even the current owners do not know that Brazo Fuerte was a staple of old Havana since at least the 1840s. It was originally located in O'Reilly street, corner with Cuba street. Later on they had a bakery in Galiano between Salud and Reina, which still exists. Family run, excellent products and unmatched attention... real stuff. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Brazo Fuerte ad at Gaceta Habana 1851 - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Great pastelitos and croquetas at reasonable prices! Very clean inside, with an attentive staff, and genuinely friendly service. This Cuban bakery has an awesome selection of dulces (sweet treats) and already made or made-to-order decorated cakes. One of the Best Cuban bakeries in South Florida!! read more

I couldn't be any happier with the quality of the food and service of this bakery. A must go and see for yourself in Miami.

I've been coming here for years! Since I was a little kid. So naturally it's nostalgic whenever I drop in, since it's mostly remained unchanged for 25+ years. You'll get all the Cuban bakery classics like pastelitos, Cuban bread, sweets and savories. Croquetas, papa rellenas are my go to savory treats. Señoritas - thin, flakey pastry layered with vanilla pudding/custard and topped with powdered sugar. The pastelitos are all solid too. Cheese and coconut might be my fav but also guava. Pull a number as soon as You walk in, or you will be skipped. Service leaves something to be desired, so be warned they aren't the nicest/friendliest. read more

Let's start by saying I used to come here when I was young so did my mom so now do the math how long we been coming here .everytime you come in here is no pastry and is only 8am how you don't have any pastry at that time of day .the service is terrible all new staffs that don't know what they are doing . They changed the chef maybe to the new location because the pastry don't taste the same super bad . Today I order Chicken croqueta and had to toss them that's how bad they were plus the beef one .Time to get back on the ball read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

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The morning started roughly. Breakfast at Sergio's Restaurant (Coral Way) was bad, and now I grumbled at traffic as I began the long drive from Miami to Punta Gorda. I was frustrated at having wasted my time and money, and a rare opportunity for this California boy to eat a Cuban breakfast. I'd chosen Sergio's over several nearby spots, including El Brazo Fuerte Bakery, which was on my list to visit later that week, as my search continued for the best pastelito de guayaba y queso in the Greater Miami area. And suddenly, because my stomach is the brains of the outfit, I thought, "I bet a pastelito will make me feel better. Where exactly is El Brazo?" I checked Yelp, and damned if the bakery wasn't just around the corner. It might have seemed lot, asking El Brazo Fuerte's pastry to unscrew my morning. But the place had simply to sell me the best pastelito de guayaba y queso I'd ever tasted, and everything would be fine. I mean, I'm not unreasonable. ********** I grabbed one of El Brazo's few parking spots and walked into the bakery. The tiny, teeming bakery. I grabbed a number and lined up with a dozen others, and soon I saw that the counter ladies had developed a simple, neighborly "Take A Number" system: - If the next in line was a regular customer, they'd be served in turn. - Sometimes, the counter ladies wouldn't call a number at all; they'd recognize an acquaintance, and, ignoring the waiting line of customers, call their friend forward, and chat pleasantly in Spanish with the person as they filled their request. - Numbers were provided to us gringos and other strangers to make us feel included, but the system definitely wasn't set up for us. I ought to have grown grumpier, but I was consoled by the laid-back mood of these friends, and I soon found myself imbued with irrational patience. It was all so familiar. I've lived in rural places and tiny towns, where "Hi!" isn't just a greeting, it's a conversation starter. And, you know, someone has to ask how Mariposa's cousin's surgery went. What's more, as I waited, my spirits were lifted by the bakery's lovely aromas - yeast and flour and caramelizing sugar, and by the sight of my beloved pastry, waiting for me in the display case. ********** Eventually, all good things come to pass. I made it to the counter and used my rough Spanish to order what I wanted. It was delivered quickly, and by God, all of the day's grief and grumbling and frustration and curiosity and patience were rewarded by a nearly perfect pastelito de guayaba y queso. Okay, if I'm being honest, I bought a box of six of them. Plus two for the car. And a cafecito. The puff pastry was neither greasy nor dry, but was instead crisp and buttery, like the best croissant. And it was chewy and slightly dense just under its "skin". But, best of all, El Brazo Fuerte's pastelito was more fully-packed with guava paste and cream cheese than any I've eaten, anywhere in the US or Cuba. It was a perfectly wonderful end to a very bad morning. ********** Sergio's Restaurant (Coral Way): https://www.yelp.com/biz/sergios-restaurant-miami-58 My Trip to Havana: https://www.yelp.com/biz/norwegian-cruise-lines-sky-miami?hrid=Lb7LrFGnrNEzTmdigBvfuQ read more

Wow! The pastries here are so flaky and good! I ad been eyeing this place prior to our visit through a Youtube Eater video. We areived in Miami early in the morning and this place already open at 6AM! We got six pastries from salty to sweets and they are all so individually good. The coffee was homey as well. All the pastries were still so warm! Total of our bill was less than $15. Each individual pastry is now $1.10c each. read more

This bakery was down the street from our Airbnb, so we ended up here a few mornings to grab coffee and a bite. I have tried only one thing here, and even though they have an impressive selection of pastries and cakes, I don't think I could ever try anything else after being spoiled by their guava and cheese pastry (pastelito de guayaba + queso). Let me tell you: this pastry is out of this world. It feels like it weighs nothing. The dough is so well laminated and flaky, even more so I would say than a typical croissant. And it has the perfect amount of guava paste and cream cheese. It's deceptively light, and yet it will definitely power you through the morning. Once, I got it and it was still WARM like it was fresh out of the oven. I died a little with every bite. Coffee here is pretty good. If you get a "cafe con leche," they will add a lot of milk unless you specify that you want an espresso or a cortadito. read more

Authentic Cuban bakery. Yum! The staff was very friendly. We got pastries and Cuban bread to go. Everything tasted great. I will be back. read more

It's been a few years now we have been coming here for all our needs and celebrations. We have given a lot of our money to this bakery as the quality is pretty good. My favorite bakery is Vicky's in Hialeah close to Hialeah High school. Best pastries ever as they drench the outside of their pastries with honey. The meat ones are heaven! However, due to distance Èl Brazo became more convenient. Prices are pretty low in comparison and for its quality. I had heard of you come in near closing time pastries are discounted to .50 cents each. I had an office party and decided to go near 5:00 to get all the party supply. All the girls are very friendly and do a great job, but I was serviced by a heavy set older woman who has trouble walking. I asked about the deal. She knows I'm a regular customer as mom has me take her for her Cuban cortadito almost everyday. It was 4:50 and she approached me with her ordering pad. The place was empty. I asked about the discount near closing time as since I had a large order it would've been great. She said no! It's at 5:00. The other employee who knows I'm a regular it's only 10 minutes away, give it to her as it would've taken her 10 minutes to prepare. She said no! Go sit in your car and come back in 10 minutes. I told her I can't as I have to get to work. She said no anyway. Definitely is not a business person. Lost my business and lost money. Didn't bother her at all. The other young lady was as in shock as I was. So, I ordered one pastry and left. Went down the street to Ricky's and they even threw in free some pastries because it was getting close to their closing time. So, I ended up with even a better deal. Ricky's now has my business! I have had a business for over 30 years and never turned a customer away. She could've been a bit more understanding and said, well your ten minutes early, let me start preparing your order so you can have the 5:00 discount. Instead she was stubborn and made the establishment lose the business of an office party order. Note: you live from your paying customers, at least try to work with them. It was ridiculous to tell me to go sit in my car and come back in ten minutes. read more

So i was reluctant to come to this bakery because im loyal to the bakery thats right bext to my house but my froend made me come here. I am so glad that I came here. This bakery remind me of my childhood and growing up in Cuban culture. I tried the guava, meat, sausage, cheese pastelitos and all were fresh and warm with lots of stuffing. , the pastelitos were priced ariund .75 cents each. I am also so picky with my cafe con leche I like the dark and the lady behind the counter nailed it there's nothing worse than a bad coffee and this one exceeded my expectations. The best part about this place is the 80 year old employee behind the counter that you can tell has been working in this business for a lifetime she is full of life and exceeds customer service. Besides what I ordered they have all types of pastries that looks delicious I will definitely be back to try them all! read more

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Cozy little Latin bakery with delicious pastries, coffee, rum cake, and pastelitos. The ladies in this place are all very friendly. I recommend to come with patience and not in a rush because they take their time with their customers and enjoy talking to them. Every time I come I always speak Spanish so I am not sure if any of them speak English. However, I am sure they know enough to take care of you. Rum cake is one of the best I ever had and prices are great. I ordered a big rum cake for a birthday and it worked out great. The cake was beautiful and delicious. They also offer packages for parties including a regular cake at good prices. I always get trays of their salsichas (pork in the blanket) every time I have company at home or need to bring something to a get together. They are always a hit! read more

After reading all the Great reviews, i was touring the area trying to find little Havana and came across this bakery. I really wanted to try the pastelitos and see what they were all about. When i walked in, the place was cozy, looked like a typical bakery with lots of pastries, cakes, and some breads. Nobody really spoke English so it was a good opportunity to try out my Spanish skills. I ended up getting a croissant type pastry that was filled with cheese and had sugar crystals baked into the crust. The tag in the window just said queso, so not sure if this was a pastelito or not. It tasted very good, it was warm, and flakey, and delicately flavored. I also bought a pastry that consisted of about 5 layers of cake and cream (see my picture). I ended up taking one bite of it and throwing the rest away. The taste was great, but the pastry was very hard, and dried out. Seemed like it has been sitting in the glass case all week. When I was ordering they asked me if I was staying or taking my order to go. I didn't see any tables or chairs in the room so I wasn't sure where I was supposed to sit if I had decided to stay. Prices were great, the total for the 2 pastries came out to about $2. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

When you think about Pastelitos El Brazo Fuerte is the place to go from Pastelitos to their cakes when you talk about Cuban pastries this is definitely the place it's as old school as it gets definitely pass by and try everything read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Establishment has been around for over 30 years a good place to get a snack or breakfast items, and other baked goods. This establishment has been long tradition of the Hispanic culture, especially for Cuban's culture and their descendant. read more

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The parking sucks but it's so worth it. It's the only place I can find my cookies that have almond slices on the outside. It's the best place for Cuban pasties in Miami. I always make sure to stop there before I head back home to Orlando. It can get crowded but they are pretty quick with their service. Cuban bread, croquettes, almonds cookies, pastelitos, and café con leche I believe are a must have or at least that's what's in my box to go. Love this place. Can't wait to go back to Miami. read more

Delicious baked goods, both sweet and savory and they serves strong coffee to go with it.

I am not Cuban nor do I eat pastries. But based upon the rave reviews I got for bringing a dozen pastelitos to my Miami personal injury law office- these guys are the best in town. Even my wife Dina- who hates just about every place- said their pastries were excellent. read more

El Brazo Fuerte Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Miami, Florida

Went yesterday for lunch. Ordered 2 croquetas and one pastel de guayaba. I don't eat meat so tried a bacalao croqueta, it was good. Tried a spinach croqueta, it was horrible. No exageration. It was disgusting. Since I am Cuban who grew up in Miami. I don't usually eat pastelitos because I did all the pastelitos' eating when I was younger and thinner. But, I said to myself, let me try one to see if they are good so when my son visits I can tell him where to buy them. Well, I don't expect pastelitos to be great all the time, sometimes you can't even find the guava, but I expect them to at least be warm. NO! neither good nor warm. Very disappointed! Reading all the wonderful reviews it makes think it is me. So, I will try them again. To be continued....... read more