El Carajo Intl Tapas & Wine

My wife and I went for lunch on a Wednesday. Service was very good, food was great. As expected it was not inexpensive but we will definitely be back for dinner in the next few weeks. more

Went last week around 8 PM.. Food was just OK. Service was HORRIBLE. Good prices on wine. more

On April 28, 2012, at around 7 pm, my wife, mother and my two month old son decided to have dinner at was once our favorite restaurant. Upon entering this establishment we notice several people leaving saying how bad the service is. While waiting to be help we noticed that there were only two tables being used. The staff tells my wife and I there are no table available and the open ones all have 8 o'clock reservations. So they suggested, if we wanted, we can sit at the bar to have dinner. HELLO, we have a carrier with a two month old baby! Since when are babies sat at a bar? We spoke to the manager and he also agreed that we can sit at the bar or eat some place else. I guess the popularity of this gas station has gone to their heads! Lost a customer for life! more

And I would come back, went with about 6 adults most got paella but a few got other things got some tapas and sangria everything was delicious.. some people make a big deal about it being in a gas station the only issue with this was the parking which is not great but i would go back well worth the trip more

Great place...great food...love the fact that it's in a gas station more

Quirky location adds to charm with amazing food and great service...PERFECT date night! more

this is a great place we take all our friends when they come best food best atmosphere a 10 more

Great wine bar in a very unlikely place, which is a great part of its charm. Fried fare is unremarkable, but pulpo a la gallega and other authentic Spanish dishes prepared baked or sauteed are fabulous. Its decor, despite being at the back of a gas station, is actually quite nice, like being in someones wine cellar somewhere in Spain, just so long as you are facing the proper direction. Don't diss this place because of its location--if you do, you are missing out. more

The location is inside the back of a gas station on 17th ave and US1. Take a seat within the surrounding of fresco walls of faux windows, doors and brick with over 1,800 bottles of wine in your panorama. \r \r I know it's a bit weird hearing "20 dollars at pump 4" every once in a while but that's what makes this place a diamond in the rough. Now on to the food...\r \r The Tortilla de Chorizo was very tasty overall; however, there was a larger portion of chorizo and potato than egg which made it a bit dry compared to other similar tortillas I've had in the past. The Empanada de Langosta barely had any lobster meat inside and was mostly crust. \r \r Having cheeses (goat, manchego & brie) together with a sweet quince and fruit (strawberries and grapes) were quite satisfying to the palette. Cod Croquettes were decent in flavor and salty by nature. The entrees were the best part of the meal. The steak was perfectly cooked and well seasoned w/ a distinct mushroom wine reduction accompanied by rice and seasoned potatoes. The Shrimp in Spicy Red Sauce came in a steaming, traditional Spanish "casuela" (aka casserole). The Shrimp were perfectly cooked over a spicy sofrito of tomatoes, peppers, onions and garlic accompanied by steamed vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, zucchini, squash) and white rice. The Sangria was divine; fruity, flavorful and refreshing.\r \r Moderate prices for ok appetizers especially when you think of tapas as sharing style meal. Stick with the hearty entrees and get your money's worth.\r \r It was a memorable experience but mostly because of its location rather than its food. You should definitely visit this restaurant at least once at for the purpose of experiencing a decent Zagat rated Spanish restaurant hidden in the back of a gas station. more

Forget you're in a gas station. This is one of the best wine bars in Miami. more

I stopped by one day to buy gas (out front) and was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of wines on display and the quaint, cozy out-of-the-way restaurant in back. To look at the outside of the building belies the surprising culinary treasure I found inside.\r i cant say enough about the food; the portions were generous, with all kinds of diverse menu selections (that with the right chardonnay) are perfect for a formal business luncheon or a casual, intimate dinner. my first time there, i just wanted to try a tapas dish (but ended up ordering three b/c they were so delicious!)\r the next time, i brought a date and we tried la tabla de carne, which is a mix of all different kinds of meats served on a wooden plank (+ points for presentation!) which, when matched with the right wine (i'm not much into that stuff, but she LOVED the selection), made for a perfect date.\r the best part (well, besides the food and wine) was its simple, unassuming atmosphere and good atmosphere. if you're looking for something (pleasantly) unexpected, you've got to try this place.\r Pros: food, wines, atmosphere Cons: hidden more