Our History

Our story is a simple recipe: one family’s love for home, shared with an entire city.

From a Humble Corner to a Miami Icon
In 1977, Apolonia Bermudez had a vision. She opened a modest takeout window on Flagler and 57th Avenue, serving crispy chicharrones, fresh-squeezed jugos, and tropical batidos. Her goal was pure: to bring the authentic taste of her Cuban kitchen to the community.

This small stand quickly grew into a beloved gathering place. Apolonia soon added La Bodega—a market brimming with farm-fresh eggs, cheeses, and vibrant tropical fruits like mamey, guanábana, and mango. It became the heart of the Palacio, where the line between market and family table blurred.

A Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
Today, under our iconic red and yellow awnings, we remain faithful to Apolonia’s original open-air concept. Our legendary chicharrones—praised by locals and acclaimed chefs like Andrew Zimmern as “nothing short of divine”—are still fried fresh daily. While Apolonia has retired, her son Reinaldo proudly guards her secret recipes, ensuring every dish carries the same soul and flavor that started it all.