My heart is a blaze with romance and admiration for this South Florida Jewel…if you consider yourself a lover of the Cuban cigar culture in America, visiting Calle Ocho in Little Havana Miami is a must. Before I continue to wax poetically about the area and my escapades, as usual I feel it critical to provide you with some history:
Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood is legendary. An extensive, rich history, vibrant, local art, delectable, authentic dishes, and lively, welcoming residents make this Cuban enclave a Caribbean dream. But how exactly did Little Havana become one of Miami’s most emblematic districts and a staple in Cuban-American culture? Let’s take a look at how Little Havana became the icon that it is today.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Cuba was enthralled in a revolutionary war. Fidel Castro and his revolutionaries fought against the military dictatorship of Cuban President Fulgencio Batista. During this period, the island nation was caught in between ruthless violence, and a huge amount of Cubans fled to Florida – mainly Miami – to escape the national mayhem. Due to its proximity to the island, the majority of Cubans settled in Downtown Miami especially, and at the time, the U.S. government was determined to help the displaced refugees with funding, social services, and political asylum.
As the Cubans transitioned into American culture and way of life, the majority of them placed roots around the Freedom Tower, known at the time as the Miami News Tower. (During this period, the U.S. government had turned the building into the Cuban Assistance Center.) In time, Cubans branched out deeper into Miami, specifically west Miami, which soon began to be called La pequeña Habana, or Little Havana in Spanish. This snippet provided by Grayline Miami.
For sure you have the tourist onslaught factor alive and well…topless tour busses depositing untanned minions up and down Calle Ocho with backpacks bad hats and tube socks, nasty I know, but even with all that happening there are plenty of places to slide into and escape the bullshit. One such amazing stop is Top Cigars at 1551 SW 8th street, the walls are covered with personal signatures and statements, and they’re very happy to hand you the sharpie so you can create your own history. The atmosphere is extremely friendly, they’ll educate you on their brand of hand made Cuban seed cigars, and from time to time they will have a roller on site creating new sticks from their choice Tabaco. One of the coolest things you’ll see is how they keep some of their sticks humidified…in big wooden treasure chest (travel chest) loaded with cigars is a large glass vase filled half-way with water getting the job done, it’s simple and genius at the same time. Old school. Here’s another insider tip when visiting, if you purchase a cigar from them and smoke it there…you’re welcome to pour yourself all the rum and cokes you can imbibe ON-THE-HOUSE. This place is really dope, and I have made some real connections there.
Another really cool thing to do when on Calle Ocho, is to purchase a Cuban style hat or shirt (guayabera) , and in this writers opinion you need to visit D’Asis store and speak to my friend El Papa. El Papa has more presence and swag than anyone else on the whole street, he will present choices of amazing hats, Cuban shirts and their history (originally made for farmers in Cuba) , he’s quick witted and not shy at all, there’s plenty of inventory on the shelfs and it’s one of the most popular stops on Calle Ocho…if only for the entertainment value alone, it’s worth checking out.
Most people will also be interested in eating and possibly enjoying one of the more popular drinks in this part of the world…the infamous Mojito (a little Mojito history) , there are more than a few choices on Calle Ocho, for food and drink but for my money you can’t go wrong with visiting the Old’s Havana Restaurant at 1442 SW 8th street. Live music and a lively atmosphere resonates throughout, the bar tenders can sometimes be seen moving and reacting to the Latin melodic sounds being belted out by the musicians. A really cool visual at this establishment is the glasses lined-up on the bar…each one with a large stalk of mint and base ingredients, as you place your Mojito order they grab one of these pre-loaded glasses and the magic starts to happen.
If you’re a lover of the much talked about Cubano sandwich, well you’re in luck, when your Cubano arrives it’s quite the shock…large and in charge, cheese oozing pork well seasoned, and just the largest portion I’ve ever had when ordering a Cubano sandwich. Paired with the wonderfully cold Mojito makes this a winner combination. read about the sandwich history
Another one of my favorite stops on Calle Ocho is Guantanamera Cafe and Lounge, 1465 SW 8th street. This place rocks throughout the day and night…hand made cigars, a great bar, out-door-seating with misting fans, and walk up outdoor bar access. There are a ton of Youtube videos showcasing this spot and the electric atmosphere that’s constantly on display. I found the staff to be really hospitable attentive, and welcoming…love this place.
Little Havana has many different points of interest for the cigar lover and Cuban culture enthusiast…Cuban coffee, dominoes being played by Cuban American seniors, exotic ice cream 6-foot tall extremely colorful roosters, amazing murals and more. Every time I visit the more comfortable I become, and I miss that part of Miami, as soon as I leave. Often times you hear about a destination, make the pilgrimage, and then disappointed by what you find…this ain’t that place. Miami is a world class city with an incredible amount of activity and culture to offer. Sun and sand, the beach and the bay; just an hours drive to Key Largo, and about 40 minutes to Ft Lauderdale. My Florida cigar home is still Tampa, but Miami is really tempting me to cheat.
I wish you a smooth and easy draw, amazing flavor, and a quality ash on your next stick…stay Smokey my friends
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