I hadn't been to Paladar in almost 2 years but stopped in this past weekend with 2 others who hadn't been there before. The food was even better than I remember (perhaps a new chef?) and our server was very friendly and attentive. I asked her about the ropa vieja appetizer and she gave it a strong recommendation. And she wasn't wrong. It was amazing! I'll definitely be back (I work in the neighborhood) and will order it again!
The only thing preventing this from being a 5-Star Review was my cocktail. I asked if I could have a weak Cuba Libre (half the amount of rum) and our server looked confused. When I told her it was because I was driving, she assured me that they don't make overly strong drinks and that a normal Cuba Libra would be fine, so that's what I ordered. I'm not a lightweight when it comes to alcohol but this drink was WAY too strong. If I wasn't driving I wouldn't have minded, but I specifically said I didn't want a strong drink, so I only drank half. I should have insisted on my original order or stayed with water.
But the food was great, my companions LOVED their drinks and we all had a great afternoon.