This taco spot closed in Little Havana. Here’s what’s opening in its place

A former spot for late-night tacos has closed on Calle Ocho in Little Havana — and a diner is taking its place.

El Cuban Diner from Gastronomica Miami hospitality group is now open on Eighth Street, with popular diner food served with a Cuban twist and a lot of 1950s nostalgia.

Occupying the former El Santo Taqueria spot at 1620 SW Eighth St., where diners looked to quell their late-night taco cravings, El Cuban Diner features red booths, neon signs and vintage style everywhere you look.

On the menu, you’ll find pan con lechon and a frita burger, as well as Cuban bowls with roast pork, ropa vieja, vaca frita, churrasco, chicken and salmon. Believe it or not, you’ll also find pizza and pasta on the menu.

And because it’s a diner, expect milkshakes that go way beyond mere chocolate and vanilla. Think strawberry Maria cookie; chocolate coconut and Oreo; banana split and chocolate and corn flakes. You can also order ice cream floats and desserts like arroz con leche and flan.

The diner also has a full-service bar that specializes in Cuban classic cocktails like mojitos and Cuba Libres. And diners will still be able to scratch any late night itches on Fridays and Saturdays, when the diner stays open until 3 a.m.

Representatives from Gastronomica Miami declined to say when El Santo Tacqueria, which included the taqueria and a larger space, closed (the larger space is now occupied by the group’s restaurant Ciao Havana). El Santo opened in 2019, along with the secret speakeasy Don Diablo, which is now CosaNostra Nightclub. All concepts are operated by Gastronomica Miami, the force behind Salao Cuban Restaurant & Bar and Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, both also located on Eighth Street.

The hospitality group plans to open more concepts on Eighth Street from between 12th and 16th avenues.

El Cuban Diner

Where: 1620 SW Eighth St., Miami

Hours: Noon-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; noon-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday