Founders Maximino and Coralia Capdevila emigrated from Cuba in 1962 after Fidel Castro came to power.

[6] The restaurant has been described by politicians "as a place to be seen", and visited by President George W. Bush, John Kerry, Al Gore, and Mitt Romney.

[8] Dishes include staples such as pork, chicken, rice, and beans in preparations such as ropa vieja and papa rellena.

[3][9] The adjacent bakery sells cakes, guava pastries, cookies, and sweet rolls.

[10] La Teresita has been described as providing large portions and modest prices.