Where to eat, drink, and dance in Calle Ocho, Little Havana, Miami

ROLL UP
At family-owned and female-run El Titan de Bronze, Cuban-trained master cigar rollers spend each day perfecting their craft. A small retail shop, open since 1995, offers views of the artisans at work.

LOOK THE PART
Traditional lightweight Cuban shirts called guayaberas line the racks of Havana Collection, a family-owned clothing and souvenir shop. Not only does the store sell the classic style that has kept it in business since 1972, it also stocks a trendier, slim-fit version of the shirt, as well as Panama hats and Cuban linen shoes.

CAFFEINE JOLT
The namesake of La Colada Gourmet, a cafe buzzing with coffee grinders and local banter, is a sweet and strong Cuban espresso drink traditionally sipped in the afternoon with company. It’s equally enjoyable while people-watching from a bar stool by the window.

TREAT YOURSELF
Azucar Ice Cream offers a sweet escape from the Miami heat. Flavors run the gamut from Cuban-style Abuela Maria (vanilla ice cream mixed with Maria Cookies, cream cheese, and guava paste) to the adventurous Burn in Hell Fidel (bean-to-bar chocolate ice cream with cayenne pepper).

LET LOOSE
Originally opened in 1935, Ball & Chain has a fascinating past. Over the years, the spirited nightclub has hosted performers such as Billie Holiday and Count Basie. Today, it still presents Miami nightlife at its most authentic, with salsa dancing, live jazz music, and strong mojitos.

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This article appears in the Fall/Winter 2022 issue of Southbound.