La Bodeguita del Medio

463 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, United States
$$$ Restaurant
(1415 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to La Bodeguita del Medio, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in Palo Alto that successfully transports you to the heart of Cuba through its flavors and ambiance. This charming restaurant, located at 463 California Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306, invites you to indulge in a delightful experience centered around authentic Cuban cuisine, complemented by an impressive selection of beverages.

Step inside and feel the lively atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of Cuban hospitality. Whether you're seated at a cozy table or enjoying the buzz of the bar area, La Bodeguita del Medio offers an inviting setting for any occasion, from a romantic dinner to a festive gathering. The décor is a lively blend of colorful art and cultural nods, making it a feast for the eyes as much as the meal is for the palate.

The menu is a celebration of Cuban flavors and features a variety of meticulously crafted dishes. Start your meal with the crispy chicharrones de pollo or the juicy fried shrimp, which have garnered rave reviews for their perfect seasoning and crispiness. For a heartier option, the Ropa Vieja—a Cuban classic featuring braised skirt steak, stewed with vibrant chiles and served alongside yellow rice and sweet plantains—is nothing short of a flavor explosion that will surely leave you satisfied.

If you're in the mood for something unique, the Tierra y Mar plate will not disappoint. It comes brimming with juicy skirt steak and succulent coconut shrimp that dance harmoniously in your mouth with every bite. Many guests have praised the generous portions and the attention to detail that goes into each dish, showcasing the rich traditions of Cuban culinary art.

Don’t forget to save room for dessert! Indulge in the housemade Cuban Flan, a creamy treat that offers a perfect finish to your meal. Or, for chocolate lovers, the deeply satisfying Mr. Johnson's Chocolate Cake is a must-try, drizzled with dark rum chocolate sauce that will make your tastebuds sing!

Complement your meal with a selection from their extensive drink menu featuring a range of quality liquors, including an impressive lineup of tequilas and mezcals. Connoisseurs will appreciate the carefully curated wine list, which pairs beautifully with your dining experience.

As reflected in glowing reviews from satisfied customers, La Bodeguita del Medio is not just a restaurant; it's a vibrant haven where happiness is found in every bite and sip. Whether you're enjoying a casual happy hour with friends or celebrating a special occasion, you’ll find that the service is attentive and warm, ensuring that you feel valued and welcomed throughout your visit.

With a robust selection of dishes and a laid-back yet lively atmosphere, La Bodeguita del Medio is a culinary destination that perfectly captures the essence of Cuban culture. So gather your friends or family and come experience the flavors of Cuba right here in Palo Alto. Your taste buds will thank you!

For reservations and inquiries, feel free to call +1 650-326-7762.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Does not have assistive hearing loop
From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Has no-contact delivery
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Good for watching sport
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Has private dining room
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Has catering
Has counter service
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts cheques
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Pets
Dogs allowed
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

12:00 PM - 09:30 PM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 09:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

1415 Reviews
Tammy Hawkins

22 Sep 2025

I chose this restaurant for my birthday dinner. They gave amazing service. Delicious food and drinks. In particular - I LOVED the crab cakes! And they brought out a sweet dessert for my birthday.

Anahita Khalilzadeh

08 Sep 2025

We tried the chicharrones de pollo and fried shrimp from their happy hour menu. The shrimp were juicy—maybe a bit on the oily side—but still delicious, and the chicken was super crispy and perfectly seasoned. We also had the Tierra y Mar, which came in a generous portion and was packed with flavor. The skirt steak was tender, juicy, and full of beefy goodness. The coconut shrimp were excellent—not overly sweet, just naturally so—and the asparagus was cooked perfectly. The whole place, including the bathrooms, was impeccably clean. Great experience overall!

Eddie Martinez

06 Sep 2025

The food was great! The server was attentive and kept refilling our drinks. We got the ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, banana chips, and yucca frita to share. The food came out pretty quick. All the food was delicious and I'd recommend it all. I just wish they had kid portions. We wanted dessert but were too full. The atmosphere is nice and welcoming. There is 2 hour parking in the back.

G Lee

08 Jul 2025

Been here a half dozen times and this is my first review. In the past, I’ve gotten the paella, but we didn’t want to wait that long this trip plus not everyone at the table wanted paella. So we enjoyed two delicious dishes. The first is called ROPA VIEJA, aka the 'CUBAN CLASSIC'. It’s braised then shredded skirt steak, stewed with chilis, peppers & tomatoes, platanos maduros, yellow rice, sofrito. It is so good you always want more when your plate is finished. The second is called ARROZ con POLLO. It’s a traditional, cuban style, braised chicken, spiced yellow rice, platanos maduros. Ambiance is nice. Good drinks. Nice location on California street in Palo Alto to walk around a bit before or after your meal.

Maverick Sy

04 Jul 2025

Went in at 2pm on a Friday. No problems parking at a free street parking. We were immediately seated as soon as we arrived. Food was lovely. Ordered Camarones Pequeños (small fried breaded shrimp) as an appetizer, Ropa Vieja (braised shredded beef w/ fried plantains & rice) and a Cubano Sandwich (ham, roast pork, cheese on a crispy baguette) Service was solid, server checked in often and gave contextual info on the orders. Atmosphere was nice, had a nice dive bar feel music-wise. Therevs an indoor and outdoor section. And a place for people that want to smoke.

Lianne Zhang

04 Jul 2025

I really enjoy coming here and this time was no different. Everything was solid. Came in for team dinner and it was a great meal. Only disappointment was that some of the vegetarian options couldn’t be made vegan despite being listed as such but overall everyone enjoyed the food.

Jenna Chan

12 Jun 2025

Highly recommend the happy hour here! You could have a very filling and delicious dinner under $40 by ordering a few apps and a drink. The bar staff were very nice and knew a lot about rum, and also gave informative recommendations about the cocktails.

Mahoko Kuramasu

07 Jun 2025

We had my mother-in-law's 90th birthday party with 25 people and it couldn't have gone better! Lara was beyond amazing and took care of everything, including things we hadn't considered. Everyone (in all ages) had a fab time. Perfect place for a group festivities, and we can't wait to go back!!!

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