How to Eat, Drink and Dance Your Way Through Miami’s Little Havana

No neighborhood is a more entertaining—or delicious—testament to the impact of Cuban culture on this city than Little Havana. Though Miami’s Cuban population now fans across South Florida, Little Havana is where a major wave of immigrants settled in the 1960s; and parts of Calle Ocho, the street that runs through it, still feel like a snapshot of that era.

This itinerary focuses on a roughly three-mile stretch of the strip, which is also known as SW Eighth Street. You’ll kick off around lunchtime and head east for a few miles, encountering Cuban coffee, cigars and competitive grandparents playing dominoes. After a late-afternoon caffeine pick-me-up, transition into a night filled with live music, smooth rum and plenty of dancing.

Chase Travel is the first stop for your next adventure. Earn and redeem Ultimate Rewards points with your eligible Chase card when booking a trip through chasetravel.com. Chase Sapphire Reserve cardmembers who book a hotel stay through The Edit by Chase Travel will earn 3 points per dollar and receive special benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a property credit worth $100, plus early check-in, late checkout and a room upgrade, when available.

An Only-in-Miami Food Crawl

The Cuban immigrants who settled in this area also transformed the city’s culinary landscape. Many of their staple dishes from back home are now quintessential Miami meals, and they’ve been fine-tuned to perfection. Our favorites all live within a few miles of one another on Calle Ocho. (P.S. Want more ideas for where to eat in Little Havana? Check out the full list of the neighborhood’s best spots, curated by our friends over at The Infatuation).

Versailles

Versailles is a local institution known for its croquetas, crispy-fried rolls packed with ham and gooey béchamel.

The host stand at Miami’s most famous Cuban restaurant can often look like a rugby scrum. But the good news is that you don’t even need to go inside to experience the best Versailles has to offer. Instead, order a couple croquetas, delicious fried tubes of ham and creamy béchamel, from La Ventanita (“the little window”). They’ll come with crackers, which locals use to cram them down into tiny sandwiches.

Sanguich

Miamians will argue about everything except who makes the best Cuban sandwich in town. They’ll all point you toward this small shop, where the cooks are brining the ham, making their own pickles and even fermenting mustard for 20 days before slathering it all over perfect Cubanos.

El Rey De Las Fritas

You’ll want to grab a few extra napkins before diving face-first into one of El Rey De La Fritas’ signature sandwiches. (Photo by Ivana Cajina)

Some call it the Cuban hamburger, but the frita is a crunchy handheld beauty that deserves a category all its own. This classic Cuban diner, around since 1979, still makes the best ones: The buns are made from a special bread, and between them you’ll find a generous pile of crispy potato sticks stacked on a spiced beef patty.

Party Cake Bakery

Although pastelitos might feel like a breakfast thing, there’s never a bad time to eat this flaky Cuban pastry. Ask for the pastelito de guayaba (guava) if you want the most classic version; for a little something extra, get the one with cream cheese.

El Pub Restaurant

Cuban coffee is essentially regular espresso that’s been struck by a lightning bolt of sugar, so brace for sweetness. For a traditional cafecito experience, order at El Pub’s ventanita. If you’re with friends, get a colada, a larger-format version that comes with sharing cups. (Down one by yourself and you’ll be staring at your hotel room ceiling all night.) Consider this a perfect post–food crawl digestif.

The Touristy Stuff Worth a Quick Stop

Our favorite spots on Calle Ocho are those you can actually interact with. At the places below, you’ll hear the click-clack of Miami’s favorite game, purchase the city’s unofficial uniform and end with a cigar (or a few scoops of ice cream).

Domino Park

The aptly-named Domino Park draws devoted competitors of the classic game. (Photo by Ivana Cajina)

No matter what anyone tells you, dominoes are still Miami’s number-one competitive pastime. The game is a fixture at any proper house party or family gathering, and this tiny outdoor park is its official stadium. Marvel as Miami’s fiercest abuelos slam down little pieces of plastic while demonstrating the fine art of trash talk.

Azucar Ice Cream Company

If things get heated at Domino Park, cross the street for scoops of very Miami ice cream flavors, like café con leche or guava and cream cheese. You’ll know it by the massive ice cream cone sculpture hanging over the door.

D Asis Guayaberas

What does one wear in a city that often feels like a preheating oven? The refreshingly breathable and multi-pocketed guayabera, a button-down from Cuba that’ll help you fit in with the regulars over at Domino Park. This shop has racks of them—plus an owner who’s happy to give you a history lesson on the shirt.

El Titan De Bronze

But what’s the point of a garment with four pockets if you can’t shove a freshly rolled cigar into one of them? The stogies at this classic shop are as fresh as it gets, and the proof is right in front of you. Cigar rollers with decades of experience work diligently inside, making cigars faster than the time it takes you to fold your laundry.

The Rhythm (and Rum) Part of the Night

Calle Ocho is one of the only places in Miami where you can find live Latin music on a regular basis. So loosen up those hips—or let a couple of daiquiris do the work for you.

Cafe La Trova

Cafe La Trova’s Cuban fare doesn't miss—think crispy empanadas, fresh ceviches and Cowboy steaks smothered in chimichurri.

Every night is a party at this big, loud Cuban restaurant, where you can expect great arroz con pollo, perfect daiquiris and spiffy bartenders who occasionally whip out instruments and start playing along with the house band. Unless you’re only planning to hit the bar, you’ll need a reservation.

Ball & Chain

In the mood for a nightcap—and a little night music? The regularly scheduled performances at Ball & Chain will get your toes tapping (and your cup filled). (Photo by Ivana Cajina)

This bar originally opened as a jazz venue in 1935 and still hosts live music nightly on its pineapple-shaped stage. You can dine in, but sometimes, it’s too crowded for a comfortable meal—so treat this instead as a place to drink and dance. Plus, Ball & Chain makes our favorite mojito in Miami, in case you’ve been craving one since you stepped off the plane.

Hoy Como Ayer

This classic music venue looked like it was gone for good until it was bought and given a modern revamp in 2024. Now, you can dance inside to a mix of DJs and live bands playing Latin tunes. Or, head to the patio, where you can smack around some dominoes, smoke a cigar and sip espresso martinis served in Cuban coffee cups.

Booking With Chase Travel

Visit chasetravel.com for trip recommendations, editor-curated itineraries and access to top hotels, convenient flights, car rentals and must-do local experiences.

_{For Informational/Educational Purposes: The views expressed in this article may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Views and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone, and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third party products, services or other content. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions, and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results.}