Little Havana is the beating heart of Cuban culture in Miami, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed café cubano fills the streets and welcomes visitors like an old friend. This vibrant neighborhood offers more than just coffee—it’s a journey back to Old Havana, where every sip tells a story of tradition, community, and Cuban heritage.
Whether you’re craving a strong shot of espresso or a sweet cortadito, these seven iconic spots serve up authentic flavors that transport you straight to the island.
1. La Colada Gourmet
La Colada Gourmet has perfected the art of brewing traditional Cuban coffee with a modern twist that appeals to both locals and curious tourists.
Their signature colada—a sweet, strong espresso meant for sharing—comes in small cups that pack a serious caffeine punch. The baristas here take pride in every pour, ensuring the foam sits just right on top.
Grab a guava pastelito to go with your coffee and enjoy the lively atmosphere where Spanish conversations mix with laughter. It’s the perfect morning ritual before exploring the neighborhood.
2. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina
Vintage photographs line the walls, telling silent stories of Cuba’s golden era while the scent of roasted coffee beans dances through the air. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina captures the soul of pre-revolution Havana with authentic décor and equally authentic brews.
Their cortadito strikes the perfect balance between bitter espresso and sweet steamed milk, served in tiny cups that demand you slow down and savor. The café con leche here is legendary among regulars who’ve been coming for years.
3. Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar
Bold flavors and bolder personalities make this place unforgettable. Sala’o Cuban Restaurant & Bar serves coffee with the same passion they bring to every dish, treating each cup like a work of art that deserves appreciation.
Their café con leche arrives steaming hot with a generous layer of foam that locals call “espumita,” the mark of properly prepared Cuban coffee. Pair it with their famous tostada cubana—buttered Cuban toast perfect for dunking.
The staff here treats newcomers like family, often explaining the difference between a cortadito and a colada with genuine enthusiasm.
4. Versailles Restaurant
Known as the unofficial town hall of Cuban Miami, this legendary establishment has been serving strong coffee and stronger opinions since 1971. Versailles Restaurant represents more than a dining spot—it’s a cultural institution where history unfolds daily over tiny cups of espresso.
Their ventanita (walk-up window) stays busy from sunrise to sunset, serving quick shots of café cubano to everyone from construction workers to politicians. The coffee here tastes like tradition, brewed exactly the way Cuban grandmothers have made it for generations.
Don’t miss the chance to people-watch while sipping your cortadito at the outdoor counter where Miami’s Cuban community gathers to debate everything under the sun.
5. Macondo Coffee Roasters
A newer addition to the neighborhood brings artisan coffee culture to traditional Cuban brewing methods. Macondo Coffee Roasters takes specialty coffee seriously, sourcing beans from Latin America and roasting them on-site to perfection.
Coffee enthusiasts appreciate their commitment to quality while maintaining respect for Cuban coffee traditions that have defined Little Havana for decades. Their single-origin espressos offer complex flavor profiles you won’t find at more traditional spots.
The baristas here can explain tasting notes and brewing techniques with the expertise of true coffee nerds.
6. La Carreta
Open 24 hours, this beloved chain location never sleeps, just like the city it serves. La Carreta has been a Little Havana staple for over four decades, feeding hungry souls and caffeine cravings at any hour of the day or night.
The consistency here is remarkable—your coffee tastes exactly the same whether you order it at noon or midnight.
Late-night crowds include everyone from club-goers seeking sobering caffeine to early-rising workers starting their day. It’s a space where coffee brings everyone together, regardless of the hour.
7. El Exquisito Restaurant
Tucked away from the main tourist drag, this hidden gem serves some of the neighborhood’s most authentic Cuban coffee to those in the know. El Exquisito Restaurant remains refreshingly unpretentious, focusing on quality rather than flashy presentation or social media appeal.
Their espresso pulls are consistently strong and sweet, exactly how Cuban coffee should taste, according to the abuelas who’ve been coming here since the restaurant opened. The prices remain reasonable, refusing to inflate despite the neighborhood’s growing popularity.
Regulars claim this spot makes the best colada in all of Little Havana, a bold statement in a neighborhood filled with serious coffee competition.
