Glenn Lindgren: Because it reminds you of the Versailles restaurant in Miami?

Raúl Musibay: No, The Los Angeles Versailles restaurant is not as fancy as the Versailles restaurant in Miami. This place is not fancy, with Formica tables, and very little in the way of decorating.

Glenn Lindgren: We do like the prices. They are very reasonable here and the food is good, making this one of the better dining bargains in Los Angeles.

Jorge Castillo: Yes, price is a big factor here. Versailles restaurant is a popular spot for Cubans and non-Cubans alike. It must be one of the oldest Cuban spots in LA -- the one on La Cienega and Pico looks like it has been there forever!

Glenn Lindgren: We drove by one evening at 6:00 and there was already a line out the door.

Raúl Musibay: People obviously come here for the food and NOT the atmosphere. They could use a few decorations here.

Glenn Lindgren: Atmosphere aside, they have an excellent pollo con arroz amarillo (chicken and yellow rice). It must be very popular because the waiters kept bringing out dish after dish during a recent lunch hour. (Lunch starts here at 11:00, so get here early and avoid the crowds.)

Jorge Castillo: Versailles has several branch locations in the area, including one at the Universal City Walk -- if you're doing the theme park thing. They sell Cuban sandwiches at the Universal location, but NOT at any of the other restaurants. We're not sure why that is.

Glenn Lindgren: They also have an arroz con camarones (shrimp and rice dish) that is excellent and a pretty good bargain at the price -- $10.95. Another great item for seafood fans is the pargo entero frito -- it's a whole red snapper deep fried.

Jorge Castillo: Everbody raves about Versailles roasted garlic chicken. You get half of a slow-roasted chicken ripe with the flavor of garlic and sour orange. If you're humgry for seafood, they also use a similar garlic treatment with shrimp.

Raúl Musibay: I love the kingfish. At Versailles you can have it grilled or fried or my favorite -- serrucho en escabeche, pickled.

Jorge Castillo: Diehard Cuban food fanatics will want to try one of the Cuban classics: lengua guisada (beef tongue), and rabo encendido.

Raúl Musibay: Versailles serves just about everything with frijoles negros, plátanos maduros and (not very authentic) Cuban bread.

Glenn Lindgren: For dessert, try a cascos de guayaba con queso (guava shells with cream cheese). It's a down home Cuban favorite and a great way to clear your palate after a heavy dose of garlic.

Jorge Castillo: Order a delicious tropical fruit batido (milk shake). They have guanabana, mango, mamey, banana, coconut or fruta bomba -- a great way to cool off on a hot day.

Glenn Lindgren: Don't forget to drink a genuine Cuban soda, Jupiña, Materva, Iron Beer or Malta.

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