Nestled in the heart of Miami, El Carajo is a hidden gem where Spanish tradition meets local charm. Our journey began as a humble gas station in the 1980s, but through vision and passion, we transformed into a unique dining destination that has captivated locals and visitors alike.

Our founder, Richard Fonseca, started from humble beginnings in Cuba and fled with his family to eventually end up in sunny Miami Florida. He purchased the store located here on 17th and US1 in 1982. It was an operating gas station and car repair shop. Throughout the 80’s though, he fell in love with wine and thus began our transformation by selling fine wine in the repair shop in 1989. Throughout the 90’s the business transformed by removing the repair shop and adding (a shortlived) carwash but all the while growing our wine selections. Then in 2005 he added the restaurant after a trip to Spain where he had been inspired by the great food and relaxed atmosphere offered in so many places in Spain. Finally in 2012 we added the Bakery Cafe.