Hector Garate is the owner and pitmaster of Palmira Barbecue, known for blending wood-fired techniques, whole animal cookery, and nostalgic flavors.
5
Full disclosure, I’m a pitmaster and former competitor, so I have very high standards. I love smoked meats and great restaurants that produce quality meats AND sides. However, having said that, this was my first time trying beef cheeks. All the hype, I had to try ‘em. Savory! Almost too savory if that’s believable. Beef cheeks have a lot of marbling and collagen; the bark was unbelievably consistent.
The brisket was spot on. The pulled pork was moist with plenty of pit smoke flavor. If you’re into BBQ sauces, they have one - it has an Old Bay Seasoning flavor that would be perfect on poultry.
The collards were some of the best I’ve ever had, full of flavor and not too salty. The Mac-n-Cheese was creamy, hot, and full of distinct cheese flavors.
We arrived at 10:50, followed by a short wait for the 11:00 opening. The staff was so friendly and patient with my questions about the menu and their smoke pits (three 1,000 gallon stick burners by the way). Also, plenty of seating indoors and outside.
There's something extra special about supporting a family-owned restaurant, and this place is a perfect example of what can happen when a family works together with passion. ❤️
The food was amazing! Our favorite was the Pernil—incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. And don't skip the Puerto Rican beans... they were so delicious, comforting, and packed with authentic taste.
Great food, warm hospitality, and a beautiful family story behind it. We'll definitely be back!
We finally got to try it for our first time yesterday and it didnt disappoint at all! The service is top notch everyone there was so nice and helpful. When he pulled out that beef cheek I was already drooling! It just fell apart like butter! I also had the pork ribs which were fall off the bone tender as well. The hash and rice is some of the best ive ever had. Ill be back just for that hash! Everything really but that hash is my favorite thing ive tried. The flavors are so well balanced. My fiance had their chopped beef sandwich and that was some of the most tender beef weve ever had. We cant wait to go back! It is pricey BUT 100% worth it for amazing food! When I brought home my leftovers, we had everyone try the cheek and hash and everyone was in awe at how delicious it was. My 8 year old son wanted more and hes a tiny bit picky Lol! That meat changed him quick!
We stopped in after the beach for lunch because I have herd they had some delicious beef cheeks. Boy did they. Getting there early there was not a long line. The beef cheeks were very flavorful and as tender as can be. My sone had the smoked sausage and Mac and cheese. Both hitting the spot. The one thing was the barbacoa philly. The meat was chopped very good. They topped it with Cooper cheddar and onions both A+, but the bun is where it fell short for me . All in all it was worth the hype and I would definitely recommend.
Amazing BBQ. The beef rib and beef cheek are definitely a must get. The beans are some of the best BBQ bean you'll ever get. The Puerto Rican rice is fantastic as well but only available certain days. They also rotate certain items throughout the week and have different specials daily. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is great. The line is long at times but if you know when to go its only a 10-15min wait.
