boliche boulevard: la teresita & arco-iris
mattAfter a little bit of a break, we’re back. Over the past few weeks, we’ve checked out two Tampa institutions when it comes to Cuban food - Arco-Iris and La Teresita. Both restaurants are located off of Dale Mabry on W. Columbus Drive or “Boliche Boulevard” - sort of the Tampa equivalent of Miami’s Calle Ocho.
When we visited La Teresita several weeks ago, the first thing we noticed was the great smells of Cuban food that hit us the moment we got out of the car. We went on a weekend and the place was buzzing with activity. We found two open stools at one of the packed counters and sat down. While our server struggled to keep up with her counter area, the food was great- and the portions were huge and cheap.
I ordered ropa vieja with yellow rice and black beans and Traci ordered traditional chicken and yellow rice. The buttered Cuban bread at La Teresita was particularly addictive. Everyone was friendly and we left stuffed. I’ve heard the knock before that La Teresita isn’t clean etc, but we didn’t have any problem (their kitchen I’d rather not think about). From a customer point of view, it looks the same as pretty much any old diner - worn down, but comfortable. If you’re expecting frills, this certainly isn’t your place.
This past weekend, we decided to check out Arco-Iris, which is only a few doors down from La Teresita. We found the food to be equally as good, although we like the diner-like buzz of La Teresita more. Arco- Iris is more of a traditional sit-down place. Again, nothing fancy. The focus is on the tasty and affordable food. At Arco-Iris, I ordered carne asada with yellow rice and black beans. Traci went with chicken and onions with the yellow rice and black beans too. Again, we came away stuffed and happy.
La Teresita and Arco-Iris both serve several Cuban-Chinese dishes as well, which sounded interesting but we decided to stick with old stand-bys. Sue Carlton explained in a recent column the Cuban-Chinese connection, which goes back many years. Fried rice with plantains is certainly a unique combination.
I am glad that I didn’t check out the health inspection reports on either until after our visits.
Bottom-line: I should have explored Boliche Boulevard sooner. For those of you looking for authentic Cuban food in big portions at cheap prices, head over to La Teresita or Arco-Iris, two uniquely Tampa experiences.
La Teresita Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection: March 2007 violations - Critical (8), Non-Critical (12).
Arco-Iris Inspection Scorecard: Last Inspection: April 2007 violations - Critical (14), Non-Critical (7).
Tags: food, restaurant, review, tampa, west tampa
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May 7th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
Both of those joints are great.
The yucca frita at La Teresita is one of the most addictive things in the world.
Also, Tuesday and Friday you can get vaca frita as the daily special and it’s worth the trip for that alone.
Don’t forget to get a few torticas de moron to take home. You won’t be able to think about them until a few hours later, but you’ll be glad you got them.
May 7th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
The Lincoln has started to cook good food again. Had lunch there today. I always judge a cuban restaurant by how well they make their caldo gallego. its alot better here then those 2 places you mention. if you are ever in the area try Latin Cafe on Bloomingdale at Bell Shoals.
May 7th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
stogie: was wondering about the Lincoln, thanks for the feedback.
david: I can now understand a La Teresita addiction
May 8th, 2007 at 12:41 am
I’ve always been partial to Latam for Cuban food, since way before they moved to the Centro Asturiano, which is a cool place to take a big group (www.latams.8m.com). I do like La Teresita a lot too. (Love the links in your post, Matt!)
May 8th, 2007 at 1:02 am
you cant beat la teresita. ive tried many entrees and always feel satisfied. they do a thing with chicken mixed with french fries that is quite tasty, though i opt for the lg cuban sandwich as often as not for 3.25, yes 3.25. its not traditional, but i like it.
the joint does need a cleaning or a remodel, though. you would think with all the money they rake in, they could at least clean it up a little….
May 8th, 2007 at 9:13 am
I want to point out that Traci got the chicken again
May 8th, 2007 at 9:46 am
And if you are sick, try a large bowl of their chicken soup at la Terresita. Will cure you of anything. Just down the street from our office, anyone want to meet there sometime, let me know.
May 8th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Stogie has a good one there. Wifey and I love the Latin Cafe 2000 in Bloomingdale - always great food & service.
May 8th, 2007 at 11:13 am
Anyone who really complains about Teresita being dirty I think needs to put some things into perspective. First, no one goes to Teresita for fine dining. If you really can’t stand it inside, you can also get take-out, which I do probably more often than I eat in.
Typically - whether I am in the actual dining hall or the cafe - the place is P A C K E D. Often with large families with many small children, large groups of elderly early-birders, or packs of late nighters with a few drinks in them. That doesn’t really spell neat eaters by a long shot. There are also people in there constantly sweeping, vacuuming and wiping tables down, but when you do that kind of volume I’m sure it’s hard to keep up with.
My wife’s family is Cuban, and has eaten there as far back as she can remember, and seems to remember it always being that way.
I’ve never found anything in my food that squicked me out, noticed anything downright unsanitary or been made ill - so I take the good with the bad. I don’t know how anyone can complain about a giant, full, home-cooked meal for $4.85. A double espresso is $.50. So are those big sugar cookies. I can deal with french fries on the floor and save my bathroom trip til I get home …
May 8th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
mariella- I’ve read about Latam and the history of the place so thx for sharing.
chalk up two votes for Latin Cafe
As for la teresita, dollar for dollar I wonder if any other local restaurant can beat their combination of cheap price, huge quantity and good food?