The best Little Havana bars, from flamboyant music joints to low-key dives

Year after year, this Cuban restaurant and bar makes it onto the esteemed list of North America’s 50 Best Bars, thanks in no small part to Julio Cabrera and his team of bartenders keeping the legacy of cantineros alive. Bartenders at La Trova are rigorously trained in the traditional Cuban style of bartending, wherein they learn to make over 200 drinks, tossing shakers with the showmanship of a thoroughbred. Here, they serve the pinnacle of Cuban classics like a citrusy daiquiri, deep cuts like the rum-forward El Presidente and inventive takes like the Trio Matamoros, which includes the holy trinity of Cuban culture: rum, coffee and a cigar on the side.

Time Out tip: Expect a live Cuban band and happy hour from 4 to 7pm every day. When the bongo player packs up, whip on your oversized linen blazer and head over to the 80s 305 Bar in the back. 

From the moment doors open, music spills out of Ball & Chain, whether it’s a salsa band, live DJ or jazz trio. Consider this your dropoff point in Little Havana, as it’s at the center of all the action with a bar program that slings out a smattering of refreshing Cuban-inspired cocktails like the Mojito Criollo (made the classic way with the mint leaves left intact for enhanced aroma, and more sugar), the Cañita (white rum, lime, house-made honey syrup, guarapo or sugarcane juice, sugarcane stick) and the Pastelito Daiquiri (pastelito-infused aged rum, lime, simple syrup, and a side of pastelitos or guava pastries).

Time Out tip: It’s great for groups, Latin dancing in an unpretentious setting (lessons are held on weeknights) and sampling creative Cuban bites.

Hoy Como Ayer, a Little Havana icon, has returned after a five-year hiatus with a fresh, modern vibe. The revamped 4,000-square-foot venue now features a La Sala, a chic wine bar with a cozy patio, as well as a state-of-the-art main room hosting top salsa bands and DJs. What does this mean? You can as well come here for a wild Rum and Coke or Tumbao party as you can for a chill evening sipping natural wine with a core group of friends.

Time Out tip: Happy hour runs from 4 to 7pm every day except Monday, there are other non-music related events like comedy night, and you should probably follow them to find out what’s going on at this editor-loved spot.

Like its name suggests, Old’s Havana is a glossy tribute to the Cuba of yesteryear, complete with black-and-white photos, vintage memorabilia and a soundtrack from live bands that range from rumba to boleros (and sometimes even American rock). The food is slightly more contemporary, mixing in Spanish tapas and ceviche with arroz and frijoles, as are the mojitos, which can be ordered in flavors such as mango and coconut. Owners do a good job at providing a traditional Cuban experience, which, for Little Havana, means tourists are aplenty here.

Brought to you by the team behind Brickell favorite Better Days, Casa Tiki is a laid-back spot whipping up tropical drinks with a side of tiki-inspired ambiance. It's a classic neighborhood joint, doling out tons of great programming like trivia and karaoke night, comedy shows, pop-ups by alcohol brands and visiting bartenders and special events like singles nights. One thing we love about Casa Tiki is how BIG they go for holidays. Halloween is bonkers here, as are Christmas festivities. 

This nautical bar serves up swashbuckling cocktails in the heart of Little Havana. Needless to say, you won’t find Cuban sandwiches or cafecito at this neighborhood watering hole; instead, there are seafaring-themed drinks aplenty. Feeling adventurous? Order the Smile You Son-Of-A-Bitch, a not-so-scary-tasting tipple named in homage to the movie Jaws (it’s even got a plastic shark in it!). Care to try a traditional buccaneer tipple? Sip on the Mutiny Milk Punch, a sophisticated and surprisingly light cocktail with hints of chocolate and lemon.

Time Out tip: Something else to know about Bar Nancy? It’s a center point of goth culture in the city, though the venue’s programming calendar is also dotted with throwback nights, from 90s rock to rare 60s psychedelia, as well as open mic nights that give local creatives a stage to shine. 

What’s more Florida than a mostly outdoor bar in pastel pink and seafoam green enshrouded in tropical palms? Casa Florida is a chill spot for refreshing drinks and Caribbean-style bites connected to the Selena Miami River, which is housed in some of Dade County’s oldest still-standing structures. Right now, Casa Florida has been taken over by Proyecto Tulum, bringing mystic Yucatan party vibes by way of art installations, deep house DJ sets, yoga and spiritual-leaning experiences. 

After a years-long hiatus, this velvety, Mexican-inspired speakeasy is back and yes, you’ll still need to enter through the candy shop. Once inside, expect tequila to flow like Anuel AA’s lyrics, catrina go-go dancers to bring as much life to the venue as the living and just a general dance party for 20 and 30-somethings looking to let loose.

Time Out tip: It’s a bottle-service kind of spot open only on Fridays and Saturdays, so plan accordingly and be sure to DM them for the weekly password. 

Part bar, part restaurant, Social 27 is a modern ode to Cuban nostalgia brought to you by the Doce Provisions team, so expect very creative, fusion-y takes on Cuban dishes and drinks, like a Cuba Libre made with craft soda and mint and the Alina, a boozy rum martini made with Havana Club, white vermouth and apricot liqueur.

Time Out tip: Not hungry? There are still plenty of reasons to frequent the venue, like live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm. Happy hour includes two-for-one drinks from 5 to 7pm during the week and specials from 3 to 5pm on weekends.