Cigar World's Must See Neighborhoods- Part Three: Little Havana

Cigar World's Must See Neighborhoods- Part Three: Little Havana

As a cigar enthusiast if you are in Miami, you would be remiss to miss out on Little Havana. It is the Cuban center of Miami. You’ve got Cuban food, Cuban, coffee, and many cigar shops. 

We wanted to highlight a couple cigar shops/factories we visited while in Little Havana:

El Titan de Bronze

We have featured this Calle Ocho classic in articles before, but this is one of the most authentic places you can visit and see rollers in action. While there are not many cigars available for purchase in this factory, you don’t want to miss out on watching these titans in action. When visiting, you might get the chance to meet Sandy Cobas or Giselle Herrera since these women are always hard at work in the factory.

Cigar Boutique of Little Havana

This is kitty-corner from El Titan, and it used to be the El Credito Cigar Factory. So after you are done visiting El Titan, cross the street to grab a cafecito from one of the many vanitas (small windows that sell Cuban coffee) in the area and go check out this historic landmark of Calle Ocho. The outside of the shop with the La Gloria Cubana logo painting on the building is a definite photo op.

Cuban Crafters in Little Havana

This unique cigar shop not only has a vast assortment of cigars to choose from, but you can also get your haircut while you’re there in their internal barbershop. They do have a small area where you can smoke a cigar, and don’t miss out on the complimentary Cuban coffee! Another key piece of knowledge for this spot is that they have a free parking lot, something you rarely encounter in Miami.

Neptune Cigars

One of our featured tobacconists, has a shop in Little Havana also. As with every Neptune Cigars you visit, this shop is meticulously set up and although located in Little Havana, there is nothing little about this shop. It has 2000 square feet of an enormous selection of the best cigars. 

Food & Culture

As you know, we have discussed cigars and coffee at length, but Little Havana has more to offer than this, food. Something you must experience is eating a pastelito from a local pasterleria. We recommend Pastelmania Bakery. These delicious flaky pastries are traditionally filled with guava and cream cheese but come in a variety of options such as chocolate and pineapple or go savory with carne or pollo. Either way, you will not be disappointed.

If you are looking for some great authentic Cuban food, Café La Trova brings an upscale twist with dishes created by James Beard award-winning chef, Michelle Bernstein. Want a rooftop experience while in Little Havana? The only rooftop spot is Terras, where you can grab some tapas, imbibe delicious cocktails and dance to a live DJ.

Finally, we must mention Ball and Chain, a historic bar (it opened in 1935) in Calle Ocho with authentic food, live music and heavenly drinks. Entertainers such as Billie Holiday, Count Basie, Chet Baker, and Nat King Cole have graced the stage in Ball and Chain. 

Some other spots to check out while in Little Havana would be the Maximo Gomez Park/Domino Park where you can see locals playing dominos. You will also want to snap a selfie in front of one of the many roosters on Calle Ocho. These funky, bright colored roosters are scattered throughout the area. Rumors are that there are around 70 of these structures.

Finally, you don’t need to go to Hollywood to see a Walk of Fame. Calle Ocho has their own version celebrating Cuban celebrities. It runs down SW 8th street, between SW 17th and SW 12th Avenues. 

Whether you want to explore the history of cigars, enjoy authentic cuisine or salsa dance the night away, Little Havana has got you covered, so this neighborhood is a must see when you are in Miami.