I absolutely love the food at this bakery — everything is always fresh and delicious, which is why I keep coming back. However, I’ve had a reoccurring issue with my orders. Almost every time I visit, something ends up being incorrect, and unfortunately, the staff doesn’t seem to take accountability. Instead of acknowledging the mistake, they usually insist that’s how I ordered it, which can be frustrating. I really want to continue supporting this business because the food is genuinely amazing, but I do hope the service and communication improve.
Jun 22 · Alexandra C (Alex)BAKERY PROFILE
CAO Bakery & Cafe
★ 4.01,917 recorded reviews$10–20
1973 NE 163rd St, Miami, FL 33162, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 1973 NE 163rd St, Miami, FL 33162, USA
- Phone
- (305) 816-6197
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 1,917 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Saturday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
About and visit notes
For residents across the South Florida region, CAO Bakery & Cafe stands as a culinary cornerstone, seamlessly blending the rich, authentic heritage of Cuban baking with the dynamic, fast-casual demands of modern Miami life. Located conveniently on NE 163rd Street, this Latino-owned establishment is more than just a typical Bakery; it is a full-service Cafe that has perfected the art of Cuban-American cuisine, a legacy spanning three generations. CAO is, in the words of its founders, an acronym for "Cuban American Original," a mission reflected in every item on their extensive and inventive menu.
The core appeal lies in the food quality, which customers consistently describe as "absolutely love the food" and "always fresh and delicious." From the iconic, flaky *Pastelitos* (available in traditional Guava, Cheese, and unique options like Nutella) and the perfectly crisp *Croquetas* to the deeply satisfying, robust *Cuban coffee* and hearty Cuban plates, CAO caters to every craving, at any time of day. This establishment is a trusted local resource for everything from a quick morning *Cafecito* fix to a full, sit-down "Original breakfast," or a celebratory catering order for the whole family.
The bakery-cafe model brilliantly serves the needs of busy Florida life. It functions as a comfortable spot for a leisurely "Dine-in" meal, praised for its "polite and friendly" waitresses, and simultaneously offers the convenience of a "Quick visit" for those needing a fast takeout or delivery of their favorite Cuban classics. The blending of tradition—like the traditional *Cuban Sandwich* and *Medianoche*—with modern culinary innovations, such as the limited-time "HOLY CAO" specialty sandwich series, ensures that CAO Bakery & Cafe remains a fresh and essential part of the South Florida dining landscape.
---Location and Accessibility
The CAO Bakery & Cafe location at 1973 NE 163rd St is optimally positioned to serve the vibrant communities of Miami and North Miami Beach, offering unmatched accessibility for all patrons.
The physical address is:
1973 NE 163rd St, Miami, FL 33162, USA
Accessibility is a major priority for this business, ensuring that every member of the Florida community can comfortably enjoy its offerings. The amenities provided are extensive and comprehensive:
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
This complete range of accessibility features—encompassing parking, entry, dining, and restroom facilities—demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusivity. Furthermore, the bakery simplifies the logistical aspect of visiting by providing multiple free parking options, a considerable convenience in the busy Miami area:
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
Whether customers are quickly picking up a dozen *Pastelitos* or settling in for a relaxed *Cafe Con Leche* and breakfast, the dedicated accessibility and abundant, free parking options on NE 163rd Street ensure a smooth and stress-free visit from the moment they arrive.
---Services Offered
CAO Bakery & Cafe operates as a versatile food service provider, maximizing convenience with multiple service options while maintaining a broad, high-quality menu that spans from quick-serve bakery items to full-service Cuban meals and catering.
The key service options available to Florida patrons include:
- Dine-in: A comfortable and inviting atmosphere for enjoying breakfast, coffee, or a full Cuban Plate.
- Delivery: Providing convenient delivery service for all menu items, bringing authentic Cuban flavors directly to homes and offices.
- Takeout / In-store pickup: Facilitating quick collection of pre-ordered items or walk-in purchases for customers on the go, designed for a "Quick visit."
- Onsite services / Catering: Offering expansive catering options suitable for parties, corporate events, and family gatherings, specializing in classic Cuban appetizers.
- Comprehensive Menu of Offerings: Serving a full range of Cuban-American fare, including a dedicated Breakfast menu, Cuban Plates (e.g., *Ropa Vieja*, *Churrasco*), a large selection of Sandwiches (*Cuban*, *Pan con Bistec*), and the essential Coffee Drinks (*Colada*, *Cafecito*, *Cafe Con Leche*).
- Catering Trays: Available in large quantities (25, 50, 75, and 100 pieces), specializing in popular items like assorted *Pastelitos*, *Croquetas*, and *Bocaditos*, ideal for professional and personal events.
The convenience of the ordering process is further enhanced by accepting major payment methods:
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Features / Highlights
CAO Bakery & Cafe distinguishes itself in the highly competitive South Florida culinary scene through its heritage, menu depth, and commitment to comprehensive service.
The primary features that make this Miami location a standout are:
- Authentic Cuban-American Culinary Excellence: The food is consistently praised as "delicious" and "fresh," focusing on traditional Cuban bakery staples like *Pastelitos*, *Croquetas de Jamon*, and *Cuban Coffee* ("Great Cuban coffee"). The menu also features robust plates and sandwiches that fuse traditions, such as the *Cuban Benedict* and the *La Frita CAO*.
- Extensive Full-Service Menu: Unlike many bakeries, CAO serves not only pastries but a full complement of all-day dining options, including savory *Empanadas*, hearty breakfast options (like The Original and *Bistec a Caballo*), full Cuban Plates with sides like *Tostones* and *Plantains (maduros)*, and a variety of creative specialty items under the HOLY CAO limited-time series.
- Commitment to Accessibility: The comprehensive suite of accessibility provisions—including Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, restroom, and parking lot—ensures a welcoming and fully functional environment for all community members.
- Latino-Owned with Deep Roots: As a business that explicitly identifies as Latino-owned and traces its baking tradition back three generations, it carries an authentic cultural weight, making it a true institution for those seeking genuine Cuban flavor and heritage in Miami.
- Catering and Party Expertise: The specialization in large catering trays (Pastelitos, Croquetas, Appetizers) solidifies its role as the go-to resource for Floridians hosting parties, meetings, or family celebrations.
Contact Information
To place a takeout order, inquire about catering services, or secure a table for breakfast, please use the following contact information for CAO Bakery & Cafe in Miami.
Address: 1973 NE 163rd St, Miami, FL 33162, USA
Phone (Local): (305) 816-6197
Mobile Phone (International Format): +1 305-816-6197
---What is Worth Choosing
For Florida residents in the North Miami area, CAO Bakery & Cafe is worth choosing due to its unique combination of authentic, high-quality Cuban-American food and its expansive, convenient service model, positioning it as a dynamic, all-in-one culinary destination.
The most compelling reason to choose CAO is the genuinely amazing food. When a reviewer states they "absolutely love the food" and continue to return despite minor frustrations, it speaks volumes about the core product's superiority. Patrons can confidently rely on the bakery for essentials like "Great Cuban coffee and breakfast," knowing that classics like the *Colada*, *Croquetas*, and *Fried Beef Empanadas* will be "delicious and done the way we requested it." The breadth of the menu, from a quick *Pastelito de Guava* to a full *Pollo Milanesa plate*, means CAO eliminates the need to visit multiple venues for different Cuban-American cravings.
Furthermore, choosing CAO is supporting a business with deep cultural roots. As a Latino-owned establishment with a three-generation history of baking, it offers an authentic experience that mass-market cafes cannot replicate. This authenticity, combined with a highly accommodating physical space—complete with Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom—makes it a truly inclusive community pillar. While some feedback suggests potential minor issues with order accuracy, the overwhelming consensus on the fresh ingredients and the food's quality solidifies CAO as the essential local choice for those who value incredible Cuban-American cuisine and comprehensive convenience in Miami.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
Service options
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
pastelitos 63cafe con leche 34empanadas 33cuban 32croquetas 32guava 13tequeños 9cortadito 8number system 6rum cake 5
Great Cuban coffee and breakfast! All the waitresses were very polite and friendly. We ordered an Original breakfast, one colada, fried beef empanadas and chicken croquetas. Everything was delicious and done the way we requested it.
Jun 10 · Yany NoaIf I could give one star I would. I come here all the time, and today I came. I ordered my toast as usual, and they put too much butter on it. I asked the girl if she could change it, and she said no, that it was already made. Honestly, toast is never made. You put butter on it and then it gets toasted. I am a regular customer, and I will never come here again. The girl gave very bad attention and very bad service. I will never come here again.
Jul 1 · k&l tax service taxWiiide selection of pastries, desserts, drinks. Affordably priced. The tres leches cheesecake pictured is so good! A bit of a wait to receive our order but overall a fine experience.
Jul 23 · CalebCao is a go-to fast-casual Cuban bakery where you can easily feed two people (and probably have leftovers) for under $40. The pastelitos are the real MVP—crispy, flaky, and filled with guava dreams. The croquetas were just okay, but honestly, I didn’t come here to judge. They offer pretty much every Cuban classic you could crave: empanadas, Cuban sandwiches the size of your forearm, and all the sweets your abuela would be proud of. It’s fast food that doesn’t feel fast or cheap, and if you’re in Miami, it's a must. See the full taste test and what else I devoured on my YouTube channel Faith's Faves and TikTok @faithsfavorites.
Jun 21 · Adria FaithNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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This page combines directory records, available business details, submitted photos, and visitor feedback. Information may be incomplete or change without notice. For corrections, contact server@heavenlydelightsbakery.com.