El Carjo | Miami Wine Bar & Gas Station
“There’s a Spanish joint called El Carajo that’s in a gas station… it’s pretty legit Spanish food… in a gas station.” - Reddit Comment
The Fascinating Journey of El Carajo
2465 SW 17th Ave, Miami, FL 33145
Email: info@el-carajo.com
Phone: 305.856.2424
Origins as a Gas Station
The story began in 1982, when Richard Fonseca, a Cuban–Spanish immigrant, purchased a gas station and car repair shop at SW 17th Avenue and US-1.
His passion for wine led him to start selling fine wines there by 1989, gradually phasing out auto services to make room for wine storage.
Evolution into a Wine Bar & Restaurant
Inspired by culinary experiences in Spain, Fonseca transformed the space into a full-fledged Spanish tapas and wine bar by 2005–2006.
By 2012, a bakery café was added, rounding out the concept with Cuban-style pastries, empanadas, and café specialties.
A Family Legacy
As Richard retired, his sons Javier and Carlos (a certified sommelier) took over, combining the founder’s passion with new energy and expanding the business’s reach.
Carlos adds expertise with sommelier guidance, while Javier handles operations, marketing, and shaping the restaurant’s playful and welcoming character.
A Hidden Gem in Miami’s Dining Scene
El Carajo is renowned for its incredible wine collection—one of the largest in Florida, with over 1,500 to 2,000 bottles, often offered at retail prices plus a $10 corkage fee.
It’s celebrated as one of Miami’s best tapas spots, regularly earning local accolades—from Best Tapas awards to being featured in Top 100 restaurant lists.
The setting is part of the charm: dine amid shelves of motor oil and snacks, then step through and feel instantly transported to a cozy Spanish courtyard.
Reviewers praise dishes like Pulpo a la Gallega, cod fritters with cilantro aioli, flavorful seafood paella, and a variety of tapas ranging from croquetas to dates wrapped in bacon.
Their bakery café adds Cuban pastries and coffee—think Cuban coladas, guava-cheese pastelitos, and empanadas—great for grab-and-go or a quick treat.
In the Community’s Words
On Reddit, El Carajo comes up in fun, candid mentions:
“There’s a Spanish joint called El Carajo that’s in a gas station… it’s pretty legit Spanish food… in a gas station.”
