Cubans started coming to Miami a century ago, and made it their own through culture, food and, of course, live music. Each business in Little Havana has its own story.
Ball & Chain suffered through an attempt to destroy its successful restaurant/bar and is now one of the most popular spots in the neighborhood. Other locations share music once performed by inspiring artists like Celia Cruz, maybe the best known singer and stage performer ever from the islands. She originated in the 1940s to the beginning of the 21st century.
Every restaurant is so much more than just a place to grab a quick bite. Unique atmospheres show the hardships many owners and residents have faced to make it to Miami.
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
1444 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33135
(786) 518-2196
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cuisine was founded in 2016 and is home to several authentic flavors and traditions. The ambiance inside includes photos of old Havana and a warm, cozy feeling that makes you want to pick up a $7 mojito and relax.
There is both 1950s style and contemporary music played Monday through Thursday starting at 7 p.m. Happy hour is also Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. All drinks including mojitos, cocktails and daiquiris for $6.95. Two popular entrees include the ropa vieja, a classic ground beef dish that goes for $18.95 and churrasco, a steak that costs $39.95.
Ball & Chain
1513 SW Eighth St.
Little Havana, FL 33135
(305) 643-7820
Ball & Chain has more than 46,000 followers on Instagram. It was established in 1953 and, though it was closed for a while, today it is one of the most popular places in all of the Calle Ocho neighborhood. From live music to bachata classes, this bar and lounge has it all. Before the place opened, the site was a parking lot where motor vehicles loaded up with food and produce to deliver to downtown Miami.
The spot changed greatly in the 1950s when Ray Miller and Henry Schechtman, “who often operated outside the law,” according to the restaurant website, bought it. They hired great entertainers, but then it closed.
New owners Bill Fuller, and brothers Zach and Ben Bush opened the bar in 2014 and have also hired big name entertainers.
Despite a war with City Hall that ended with a $12 million settlement, these days live music shapes the atmosphere of Ball & Chain with bachata nights, “Sabor Wednesdays,” and Little Havana under the stars. Two recommended dishes are the mahi-mahi tacos with coleslaw, pineapple, avocado that costs $12 and the Little Havana salmon, which includes pineapple salsa, asparagus, quinoa and cilantro that goes for $30.
Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar
1642 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 642-8989
Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar was founded in May 2019 by Eliesteban Mena and Oscar Rodriguez, who also own Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina nearby. Dancers, performers and singers showcase their talents every night at Sala’o.
The name comes from Ernest Hemingway’ book “The Old Man and the Sea” and the restaurant is inspired by the fishing village of Cojímar, Cuba—where Hemingway kept his boat. The decor includes crystal chandeliers, marble and wood finishes, and vintage Havana touches that transport guests to the Cuba of the 1940s.
Sala’o is known for fresh seafood from the Florida Keys and modern takes on Cuban dishes. Starters like ceviche goes for $10 and carpaccio costs $13. Main courses such as red snapper runs for $20 and arroz marinero go is $30. They even have happy hour, from 12 p.m to 7 p.m, which consists of free salsa classes.
Hoy Como Ayer
2212 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33135
(786) 822-7640
Hoy Como Ayer is a live‑music venue and cocktail lounge with a unique blend of nostalgia and culture. It first opened in 1999 under Fabio Díaz Vilela, named after one of Benny Moré’s beloved boleros. For years it was a place where Cuban legends and Latin stars performed while locals and visitors came to dance and celebrate.
After closing in 2019 when its 20‑year lease expired, Hoy Como Ayer made a comeback in June 2024 under new management and with a full renovation. The space was expanded and upgraded with fresh staging, sound, and lighting. They even refreshed the food and drink menu over time.
Small plates like tequeños goes for $12. Main entree includes arepa pico e gallo, filled with your choice of meat (carne asada, chicken, or chorizo), pico de gallo, cheese and green sauce costs $20. All drinks are generally $15‑$30.
Cafe La Trova
971 SW Eighth St.
Miami, FL 33130
(786) 615-4379
Opened in January 2019, Café La Trova is the shared vision of cantineros Julio Cabrera, David Martinez, and James Beard Award winning chef Michelle Bernstein. It’s more than just a restaurant, it’s an immersive tribute to Cuban 1980s bar culture; mixing live music, classic cocktails and food that recognizes tradition while including modern touches.
Cabrera’s father owned a bar in Matanzas, Cuba, called Café El Sacrificio, that was seized during the 1959 revolution. According to the Miami Herald, Julio promised his father years later that he would one day recreate that spirit and make it a part of the décor at Café La Trova.
From the elegant cantinero uniforms to the pouring of their $14 daiquiris, every detail aims to revive that lost bar culture. With live Cuban music, expertly crafted cocktails and flavorful dishes, it brings the spirit of old Havana to the heart of Miami. It’s won praise and awards, from Spirited Awards to high spots in World’s 50 Best Bars, but perhaps most importantly, it’s become a place where the past is honored, and new memories are made.
A popular entree is the masitas de puerco, a crunchy mojo-marinated pork, sweet plantain mash, mezcal-honey glaze, which is $24. Desserts include banana tres leches and pavlova which both costs $14.
