Cuban diner plates by gate D37 in North Terminal
Second level above Concourse D by gate D37, La Carreta is the airport branch of Miami’s classic Cuban diner chain. It’s post-security in the North Terminal, so AA flyers can sit down for a real Cuban meal instead of grabbing generic fast food on the way to the gate.
Menu pricing runs in the $$ range: sandwiches around airport-standard prices and full entrees a bit higher than the city locations. Google reviews land around a 3.5 rating, with most people saying it’s still fair for an airport if you order the right dishes.
Stick to the hits: the Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja, and vaca frita get the most consistent praise on Google. Portions are big enough that one diner mentioned splitting a single entree with their spouse and still leaving full, so consider sharing if you have a shorter layover.
Breakfast gets mixed reviews, especially the generic omelets and grill items that several travelers call bland or over-salted. Regulars say to skip the American breakfast section and lean into Cuban basics instead: a pressed sandwich, café con leche, or a plate of vaca frita with rice and plantains.
Service is table-style and can be slow; multiple reviews mention waiting too long when they had less than an hour before boarding. Counter seats move faster, both for food and the check, so frequent flyers recommend grabbing a stool instead of joining a long table wait.
Watch the bill: many travelers note that gratuity is often auto-added, which can lead to double tipping if you don’t read the receipt. Final tip: if your AA connection in Concourse D is under 60 minutes, use the counter for a quick Cuban sandwich to go and save the full ropa vieja plate for a longer layover.