This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Frita Batidos, a Cuban inspired street food restaurant, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Growing up in Tampa, Florida, I have been to many Cuban restaurants, but I can say, I have never been to one like this, with such a modern take on Cuban food.

Don’t come with expectations. This place is different from any Cuban restaurant we’ve visited, but it’s all good.

Dora here. Don’t come to Frita Batidos expecting entrees that you’d find in your favorite Cuban restaurant. No Palomilla Steak here. But their fritas (Cuban burgers) and batidos (milkshakes made with sweetened milk, ice, and fresh fruit) enticed us to give them a try. Get here early. Our son has visited a few times when the line to order ran all the way to the back of the restaurant and then back out the door. The relatively small interior is set up with long picnic tables.

Get here early. Our son tells us that the line runs all the way to the restroom and then back out the door.

For an appetizer, we chose the Twice Fried Ripe Plantains, fried but still soft and creamy on the inside. They were topped with a garlic mojo and it was hard to stop eating them.

Twice Fried Ripe Plantains Appetizer

For lunch, I chose the Inspired Cuban Combo, which included half of the ‘Inspired Cuban’ plus the ‘Best Snack Ever’ (layered coconut-ginger rice, black beans, melted Muenster, & cilantro-lime salsa). This sandwich was made with pork and ham and served on Cuban bread, but without all the condiments like the sandwiches I remember, still great. All of the ingredients of the Best Snack Ever mixed well to create a thick combination of rice, beans and cheese.

Inspired Cuban Combo

Dora here. I ordered a Chicken Frita with a side of tropical slaw, but they loaded it all on the bun, which was fine. The bun was soft and light. The chorizo in the chicken patty gave it a little zing. The sandwich was flavorful and filling, and I would definitely order it again.

Chicken Frita with side of Tropical Slaw. Flavorful and filling!

Still Dora. If coconut’s on the menu, I’m more than likely going to try it. And a Coconut Cream Batido? I’m all over it! Check it out! Thick, creamy, and coconut-ty! Delicious! 

Coconut Cream Batido

A bit pricey, I think, but considering we left with full and happy bellies, it’s all good. Frita Batidos definitely made it on our “must go back” list.

What’s your favorite milkshake flavor?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food.