This popular Cuban bar in Little Havana was just named one of the best in North America

Miami Herald

30-04-2025

The question gets asked a lot: What's the best bar in Miami?
North America's 50 Best Bars has an answer — and it's a familiar refrain.
At a ceremony in Vancouver, B.C. on Tuesday, the organization that ranks the world's most innovative places to drink named Miami's Café La Trova to its top 50 list for 2025.
The collaboration of master cantinero Julio Cabrera and chef Michelle Bernstein, the Cuban spot on Calle Ocho in Little Havana always finds its way on the prestigious list (it was no. 13 this year). The spot, which opened in 2019, is known for its classic Cuban cocktails, bites and lively music as well as its ability to draw both locals and tourists.
50 Best Bars calls Café La Trova 'a joyous celebration of Cuban hospitality.'
'Stepping into the space, you're instantly transported to the Caribbean through sight and taste,' the guide writes. 'The bar team adheres to the traditional (and theatrical) cantinero style created by Constantine Ribalaigua at Havana's legendary El Floridita. Typically, the bartenders are busy throwing Hotel Nacionals (rum, apricot liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice) through the air or dramatically shaking Daiquiri Clásico (rum, lime juice, sugar). Yet, the dinner jacket-uniformed staff also find time to pick up maracas and play along with the house Son Cubano band.'
A few other Miami-area bars made the top 100 list as well, including downtown's aperitivo spot ViceVersa (56), which was recently added to the 2025 Michelin Guide.
Others were the Champagne Bar at The Surf Club in Surfside (61); Bar Kaiju at The Citadel in Miami (77); and Swizzle Rum Bar and Drinkery in Miami Beach (78).
The best bar in North America, according to the guide, is Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City.