96 June 18–24, 2026 miaminewtimes.com | browardpalmbeach.com NEW TIMES ingredients and master the bake time to cre- ate a delicious, perfectly browned, chewy- with-a-crispy-edge cookie, and this is a feat accomplished by few. The man behind Liger’s has reached this pinnacle of cookie- making magic. Liger’s is a one-man operation founded by photographer Julian Cousins in 2020. What started as a passion project turned into a local phenomenon. The legend began when Cousins traveled to Canada and munched on a delicious cookie. When he came home, he tried to find one that lived up to the bite, but failed. So he made his own! Eventually, he graciously shared his cookies with the rest of Miami. Fans can order Liger’s online or find its cookies at Caracas Bakery, Miami Slice, Vecinos, Pari Pari and Pluma. If you think you can emulate a Liger’s cookie at home, don’t waste your time. Instead, pick up some Liger’s cookie dough at Grove Grocer or Franky & Wallys and leave the magic to the professional. BEST CROQUETAS Sergio’s 3252 SW 22nd St. Miami, 33145 305-529-0047 sergios.com There’s definitely no shortage of croquetas in the 305, but Sergio’s is a standout in the game. The local institution has served more than 20 million croquetas across South Florida and even broke the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest croqueta in 2021 (apparently, regular-sized success wasn’t enough). The croquetas are exactly what you want them to be. With a crispy outside and creamy inside, they’re impossible to stop eating. The classic ham is the go-to, but the chicken and spinach versions deserve attention, too. At just $1.99 each, ordering a whole box feels practical. BEST CUBAN SANDWICH Cubatón 413 15th St. Miami Beach, 33139 cubatonsandwichshop.com There is a certain utility in having a Cuban sandwich recommendation for your vacationing friends and relatives who don’t want to cross the causeway, but Cubatón is worth the drive. It goes above and beyond with a premium take on the classic Cubano and Medianoche, featuring mojo pork that’s been slow- roasted for 14 hours, and a hardwood-smoked ham that gives even more depth of flavor. Located in the heart of South Beach off Washington Avenue just a block north of Española Way, the small shop also serves local drinks Jupiña and Materva, coffee and breakfast pasteles, and, for adventurous types, a Hot Honey Cubano complete with pickled jalapeños. BEST DESSERTS Charlie’s Ice Cream 510 Hialeah Dr. Hialeah, 33010 305-888-2836 2475 SW 97th Ave. Miami, 33165 786-636-8377 instagram.com/charliesicecream Charlie’s Ice Cream has spent the past decade building a devoted following with its famously creamy soft-serve, winning over customers in Hialeah be- fore expanding to a second location in Westchester. What began as a family-run neighborhood ice cream stand has grown into one of South Florida’s most beloved dessert destinations. Charlie’s is known for its choco- late-dipped cones, towering sundaes, nostalgic floats and signature creations including the wildly popular Coconut Waffle, Cookie Mon- ster sundae, and Pistachio Waffle. Despite the crowds that often gather outside both shops, the experience remains refreshingly simple with great ice cream, generous portions and friendly service. The secret isn’t flashy trends or over-the-top presentations. It’s a decade of consistent desserts that keep customers com- ing back, whether they’re ordering a shake, cookies or a towering soft-serve creation. BEST DOUGHNUTS Doña Posada 8300 NE Second Ave. Miami, 33138 786-558-3311 donaposada.com Doña Posada is best known for Venezuelan staples, but the real standout is something you might not expect: bomboloni. These Italian- style doughnuts are deep-fried, sugar-dusted and filled rather than glazed, closer to a rich, pillowy pastry than the typical American donut. A staple in Italy, they remain surprisingly hard to find in Miami and even harder to find done well. At Doña Posada, they started as a weekend special and quickly became a must-order. Each one is soft, airy and generously filled with options including Nutella, pistachio cream, dulce de leche or guava and cheese. They’re never too heavy, never overly sweet and just indul- gent enough. While not always available on the daily menu, they are always available through catering. Start planning a party. BEST EMPANADAS GogoFresh 926 Alton Rd. Miami Beach, 33139 305-673-3137 243 NE Third St. Miami, 33132 786-577-3245 gogofreshfood.com In a city where empanadas are as common as sunshine and parking tickets, GogoFresh manages to rise above the fold. From Chicken Thai, to Chicken Criolla and a surprisingly satisfying Vegan Quinoa, the lineup delivers something for everyone without trying too hard. The soups and salads are amazing, too, but let’s be honest, 99 percent of the room is here for the empanadas. Warm, flaky and perfectly crisped, they arrive like little edible payoffs, disappearing faster than you meant them to. BEST FRITANGA Yambo 1643 SW First St. Miami, 33135 305-649-0203 instagram.com/yambomiami Can you say you really know Miami if you’ve never had a late night meal at Yambo? The Ni- caraguan restaurant is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year and each of those seconds you can count on a most excel- lent serving of gallo pinto (rice and beans that got their name for supposedly looking like a spotted rooster), queso frito (a salty, fried white cheese cooked until it has a crispy exte- rior while still gooey on the inside), and ensal- ada (a cabbage salad reminiscent of vinegary cole slaw). There’s also carne asada, maduros, and lengua that have diners lining up in a queue all hours of the day or night. All those flavors are accentuated by the carnival-like ambiance that features a bouillabaisse of or- naments, from a coin-operated pony to a monument of Nicaraguan poet Rubén Darío and a giant (spotless) rooster statue that greets you at the parking lot entrance. BEST FROZEN YOGURT Meli 210 NE 98th St. Miami, 33138 786-622-1423 instagram.com/melifrozenyogurt Frozen yogurt is supposed to be a lighter in- dulgence, but too often it sacrifices flavor in the process. Meli changed that equation. Founded by Deborah and Eduardo Shrem, the charming Miami Shores shop is one of something for everyone without trying too hard. The soups and salads are amazing, too, but let’s be honest, 99 percent of the room is here flaky and perfectly crisped, Eªt & Drink
