Raúl Musibay: Never mind that an enterprising Californian has evidently bought the exclusive rights to the name in the United States.

Glenn Lindgren: Forcing the renaming of this restaurant to La Bodeguita Martínez.

Jorge Castillo: We're not talking legalities here, we're talking about a family business.

Glenn Lindgren: The provenance of the original restaurant, La Bodeguita del Medio in Havana is not in dispute.

Raúl Musibay: The original in Havana was created by Ángel Martínez and soon became a favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway.

Glenn Lindgren: Although most people think of the original as primarily a bar, it was the quality of the food they served that made its reputation.

Jorge Castillo: However, after the "revolution" La Bodeguita, -- like so many other businesses that were built with the sweat and tears of good Cuban families -- was taken over by the Castro government.

Raúl Musibay: The Communists literally gutted the restaurant and turned it into another failed socialist experiment. It wasn't until someone realized the value of this tourist attraction that the restaurant was restored, although it was never the same.

Jorge Castillo: The third generation of the Martinez family opened the Original La Bodeguita Del Medio in Miami.

Glenn Lindgren: Although the name has changed, this is where you will find the heart and soul of the original.

Raúl Musibay: All the rest are very poor imitations.

Raúl Musibay: The tasajo is also very good here. They serve it in the Criolla style swimming in a rich broth of tomatoes, onions, peppers, and garlic.

Jorge Castillo: My wife Mary had the Pollo Cacerola -- a half chicken baked casserole style until the meat was quite literally falling off of the bone and served topped with a nice Creole sauce.

Glenn Lindgren: Nephew Neil had the pierna de puerco asada en su jugo, tender slices of roasted pork leg.

Jorge Castillo: There is Cuban music on weekends and by 8:00 PM the place is packed.

Raúl Musibay: We made our first trip to La Bodeguita on Jorge's birthday, and it turned out to be a great party.

Glenn Lindgren: Everyone ordered from the 10 or so entrees that are served at dinner time.

Raúl Musibay: They really know how to cook pork here.

Glenn Lindgren: I asked the waitress to surprise me and she brought out a plate of delicious strips of pork -- Lomo de Puerco. They were very tender with a crispy skin, just the way I like them.

Glenn Lindgren: If you come for lunch they have a complete sandwich menu.

Jorge Castillo: We had a good time at La Bodeguita.

Glenn Lindgren: Best of all, somehow the Birthday Boy ended up picking up the check!

Raúl Musibay: I wonder how that happened?

Jorge Castillo: Yes... I wonder!!!

LOCATION: La Bodeguita Martinez in tucked away in the back corner of a little shopping center on 29th and SW 8th Street (Calle Ocho).

ATMOSPHERE: Casual and funky.

PRICES: Dinner entrees $9.00 to $14.00, cheaper at lunch.

HOURS: Sunday - Thursday 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM | Friday & Saturday 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM

CARDS: American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa

BAR: Full

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