7 finest locations for Cuban espresso in Miami – Lonely Planet

Don’t let the occasional big-chain espresso store idiot you – Miami runs on Cuban espresso.

This sturdy caffeinated concoction created from Cuban espresso and sugar not solely helps locals energy by way of a noon droop, nevertheless it bridges social limitations and gives a lubricant for idle workplace chatter or heated political debates. The drink, often known as cafecito, is so deeply entrenched within the native tradition that the mayor of the Metropolis of Miami proclaimed 3:05pm Miami’s official cafecito break time.

The primary rule of cafecito is: slightly goes a great distance. The thimble-sized stack of cups that include a colada — a four-ounce styrofoam cup of Cuban espresso — is the strongly instructed serving dimension and promotes sharing. The second rule is: discover a ventanita. These walk-up, to-go home windows serve up flaky Cuban pastries alongside the steaming cups of rocket gas quick and furiously. 

If you happen to’re able to get a style of this caffeinated marvel, try considered one of our seven favourite spots for Cuban espresso in Miami. Hey, it’s 3:05pm someplace. 

1. La Ventanita at Versailles

Versailles has been ground-zero for cafecito tradition for over 50 years, serving locals, celebrities, politicians – and even the occasional US presidential candidate – from its location in Little Havana. Actually, Versailles’ founder Felipe Valls Sr has been credited as the primary particular person to develop the ventanita. The restaurant has even spun off a neighboring espresso bar and bakery, the place the cafecito completely straddles the sugar-to-espresso ratio. For a twist in your cafecito, strive the cortadito — Cuban espresso that’s been reduce with steamed milk — to go together with your pastries. And at Versailles, subbing your milk for the evaporated model isn’t simply acceptable; it’s extremely beneficial. 

The best way to get there: Head east on SW eighth St/Calle Ocho till you attain thirty fifth Ave.

Learn extra: Heading to Miami? A local wants you to know these 10 things 

2. La Carreta

You’ll be able to’t go flawed with the cafecito at any of La Carreta’s a number of Miami places, however the Fowl Rd storefront has arguably the very best ventanita of all of them. Buzzing with power and the satisfying hiss of the espresso machine releasing steam, this full of life ventanita is the place the town gathers when an area sports activities staff wins a championship. The highly effective doses of Cuban espresso – together with the sticky candy guava pastries – will preserve the celebration going all night time.  

The best way to get there: Take the Dolphin Expressway/836 West to the Palmetto Expressway/826 South. From there, exit on SW fortieth St and take that west for about 1 mile. 

3. La Colada Connoisseur

Serving up a few of the most creative cafecitos and coladas within the metropolis, La Colada Gourmet in Little Havana is the place you go if you graduate to next-level iterations on the basic formulation. Not solely does the gourmand operation roast its personal beans, however you may elevate your cafecito with condensed milk, Nutella or a shot of liquor. Earlier than you go, take a second to peruse luggage of their house-blend beans and the assortment of Cuban espresso equipment for a real 3:05pm memento.

The best way to get there: Get on I-95 S and take the NW seventh Ave exit. From there, proceed on NW seventh Ave for roughly 1.5 miles.

4. Tinta y Café

Whereas Tinta y Café would possibly appear to be a comfy native espresso store that’s perfected the newest latte artwork, it’s truly a Cuban cafe with all the bohemian creature comforts of an indie roaster. Right here, your cortadito comes with the aforementioned latte artwork – as does your café con leche. Order a tostada (a big, buttery slice of pressed Cuban bread) to dunk ceremoniously into the café con leche. It’s the native customized, and sure, you need to positively drink the creamy stays. 

The best way to get there: Head west on Dolphin Expressway/836 to NW 14th St. Take the NW thirty seventh Ave exit to Salamanca Ave in Coral Gables.

5. Islas Canarias

If you end up out within the western elements of Miami-Dade county, put Islas Canarias in your radar for a few of the best croquetas and cafecito on the town. There are two places in shut proximity to one another – the restaurant and the cafe – and each are pretty no-frills operations. On the restaurant, sidle as much as the ventanita and place your order for a cafecito and croqueta shortly and concisely. The employees is usually busy however very environment friendly — they’ll admire your preparedness.

The best way to get there: Take the Dolphin Expressway/836 West to SW 24 St/Coral Method. Head west on SW 24 St/Coral Method till you attain 136 Ave. 

6. Suite Habana Cafe

The Cuban-owned Suite Habana Cafe in Wynwood was designed to really feel like considered one of Cuba’s paladares (small, family-run eating places – normally run out of their dwelling). The comfortable environs – with Cuban posters on the partitions, white brick partitions, cushioned seats, and eclectic lighting – lend themselves to a day sipping on a cafecito or café con leche created from the home mix of Colombian and Brazilian beans designed particularly for Cuban espresso. Add in a croissant or pastry from the choice and also you’ve received a Miami energy combo.

The best way to get there: Get on I-95 N and take it to NE thirty sixth St. Take exit 2B from I-195 E after which navigate Biscayne Blvd and NE 27 St to North Miami Ave.

7. Bebito’s Cafe

Over in South Beach, getting your Cuban espresso repair means heading to Bebito’s. Named for the proprietor’s Cuban grandfather, this cafe ​​doles out basic Cuban cortaditos and café con leche utilizing a private-label signature mix of Central and South American beans which might be regionally roasted. Marbled inexperienced partitions, neon indicators, and taffy-colored cubicles lend to the retro tropical really feel – the best Miami Seashore spot to get pleasure from a cafecito with a guava-and-cheese pastry earlier than a day on the water. 

The best way to get there: Take I-95 N to the MacArthur Causeway. Head east and exit on FL-907 N/Alton Rd. 

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