So we had wanted to try this place for quite a while. That “reality” town makeover show featured it, which made it really popular for a while. We went twice and found lines out to the sidewalk waiting for a table. We didn’t join the crowd. Since it’s been a few months, one night last week we decided to give it another shot.
We arrived around six, and walked right in. There’s a sign at the entrance that says, “Wait to be seated or pay $5”. I’ve seen wait to be seated signs before, but never one that carried a penalty for disobedience. I’ve seen those signs ignored and now I wonder if the dolts who ignore those signs suddenly become literate if it will cost them half a sawbuck. It wasn’t an issue on this evening since even though it was dinner time, there was only one customer in the restaurant, sitting at the counter. So we dutifully waited and were told to sit wherever we liked. So we did. The dining area is on the small side, I would guess it seats a total of about two dozen people.
Since the place was recently rehabbed, it is decorated very nicely and had a cozy island atmosphere. The server was quick and courteous. The menu is pretty extensive with sandwiches and entrees for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all three of which are served all day.
We decided to go native and order something island-centric. Irene ordered the fried pork chunks, and I went with the beef oxtails. We expected the pork dish to be like carnitas – small chinks of pork cooked slow and then fried crisp. Nope. She got four large chunks of fried pork topped with grilled onions. The meat was very well seasoned, tender, and way more than she could eat. My meal came with two very large (about 3’ in diameter) bones with tender as can be seasoned beef. Both dishes came with sides of black beans and white rice, and fried plantains. Both sides were excellent. I’m a big fan of both black beans and rice and fried plantains. They did not disappoint.
During our dinner, two other couples came in. One was our age and the other a young couple who asked for a table for two in the corner. They were adorable. This was a little surprising as it was a Friday night and the food and service are both excellent. I guess the novelty has worn off. Hopefully when the snowbirds migrate south things will pick up. Aside from dinner, they have a large display case of fresh baked pan dulce – what muricans would call donuts – next to the counter. It wasn’t very full which makes me think the place may be more popular for breakfast and lunch than dinner. That’s a shame, because it’s well worth the trip for dinner.
My only negative thought about the place is that they have steel patio chairs for seating, and they are, quite frankly, not wide enough for the average American butt. Small price to pay for a good meal.
Speaking of price, dinner for two, with unsweet tea and lemonade, ran $51.50 including tip.
If you enjoy Cuban food, you’ll be very happy here.
Sophies is located at 120 N Ridgewood Drive, in the old Salvation Army building just off the circle. Parking is on-street. íBuen Provecho!
