Ball & Chain
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The food was very disappointing. The only decent dish was the ceviche, but it contained only about three small pieces of fish, with the rest being mostly fruit and four shrimp. My salmon was severely overcooked to the point of being inedible, and the asparagus was just as overcooked. My sister's chicken was also dry, bland, and overcooked. They also don't offer large bottles of water and instead charge $7 for a tiny single-serving glass bottle. Absolutely no. Giving 2 instead of 1 bc the live music was amazing and the waitress was nice but the kitchen is a -5.
Was recommended to go here by locals. And it didn't disappoint. Definitely a Bar feel but really delicious food, a full bar, and live salsa music. The band was amazing. The food was amazing and the vibe was definitely very Bar forward and super loud, but it was a great experience. Service was really good.
If you're in Little Havana and want a spot that really feels like Miami, this is it. Stopped into Ball & Chain for the vibe and a couple drinks and it delivered. Tried the Piña Basil Mezcalina and their famous mojito. Both were refreshing, well balanced, and clearly made with quality ingredients. The mojito definitely lives up to the hype. The space is what makes it stand out. Live music in the main bar and a back patio with another bar and stage that brings great energy. Easy to move around and find your vibe. They also serve food until midnight which is perfect if you are hopping around Calle Ocho. Between the music, drinks, and crowd, you can really feel the culture here. One of those spots you experience, not just visit.
We went to the Ball and Chain in Miami. It is located in Little Havana in a historic building. We loved the incredible music and atmosphere of the place. The bartender made us delicious Pina Coladas and served them promptly. The band and musicians were incredible! Highly recommend it if you're in Miami!
BALL & CHAIN This place has a pulse. Ball & Chain has been on Calle Ocho since 1935 and you can feel the history the second you walk in: green walls covered in old photos of the greats who played here, a house band setting up right by the front door, and cigars for sale in a lit humidor by the bar. Then you push through to the back and it opens up into this leafy patio with a giant clamshell stage shaped like a pineapple, red couches everywhere, misting fans, palm trees. It is genuinely a cool room. Live music, mojitos, people actually dancing. This is the Miami you came to see. Honest notes so you go in smart. It is world famous, which means it is a tourist stop, which means prices are what you would expect and it fills up fast, especially when there is a game on the big screen or a band playing. Service can lag when it is slammed. Drinks are good but you are paying for the address and the vibe as much as the pour. Go for the atmosphere and the music, not for a quiet conversation. Four stars because the place is a legend and the back patio earns it, minus one for the tourist tax and the crowds. Still, if you are in Little Havana, you go. Simple as that.
Ball & Chain is a Miami classic! I stopped by this evening to have some bites and drinks with my family. We all shared a bunch of plates including the yuca fries, beef empanadas & fried pork. I had a Maracuya punch which was delicious. We were seated in the back area where there was a live DJ and the music and vibe was fantastic! Lots of dancing and celebrating as the tables around us ordered drink services that came with confetti and sparklers. The staff was very helpful and attentive, the servers and food runners were on top of making sure we had everything that we needed and that the dishes were cleared in a timely manner. Overall 10/10 experience! Will definitely be back
Fun spot in little Havana for drinks, dancing, and very good Cuban cuisine! Service is a little slow, but honestly that's just everywhere in Miami. The patio outback is a great spot to enjoy a drink and cigar. The standout food item was the vaca frita, but the ropa vieja and Cubano were delicious as well! The plantains were honestly the best I've ever had!
Ball & Chain is the kind of place that makes you remember why you go out in the first place. We came to Little Havana for a fun night and ended up staying longer than planned because the energy here is unreal. The music pulls you in, the lighting feels like old Miami with a modern pulse, and the whole room has that "everyone's in on it" vibe. Food was better than it needed to be in the best way. The pressed sandwich was hot, melty, packed with flavor, and the fries disappeared fast. It felt like the kind of comfort food you want when you're posted up at the bar watching the night unfold. Drinks were solid and strong, and the presentation matched the atmosphere. Tropical without being sugary, balanced, and exactly what you want in this neighborhood. What really makes Ball & Chain special is the feeling. It's lively, but not chaotic. Iconic, but not touristy. Perfect for date night, friends in town, or anyone who wants a true Little Havana experience without trying too hard. Tip: Go a little earlier if you want a good spot, stay later if you want the full magic. If you're on the fence, consider this your invitation. Go.
A Must-Visit for the Ultimate Little Havana Experience! Nights like this make Miami unforgettable! Stepping into Ball & Chain felt like stepping back in time--rich history, incredible live music, and the best energy on Calle Ocho. It was easily our favourite dinner experience in the city. The service was outstanding; the staff was amazing, constantly ensuring our drinks were topped off and checking in to make sure every dish was perfect. The Lineup: * World Famous Mojito: Refreshing and perfectly balanced. (during Happy Hour, buy one get one free!) * Vaca Frita: Crispy, flavourful, and authentic. * Tropical Ensalada: A perfect fresh pairing for the meal. * Virgin Piña Colada: Creamy, tropical, and delicious! Between the live band and the 100% good vibes, this place is a total showstopper. Don't leave Miami without stopping here! .
It's a famous spot to see and hear, get an uninspired rum and coke for $23. Even if the band not playing. (like much of Miami tourist areas, you will find taxes and fees and tips layered $ on top your bill...) Cuba Libre
Decided to stop at this spot since it's a staple in the area and it was lively. They had a great dj, the majority of the tables were taken so we sat at the bar. The bartender made our drinks to perfection, we didn't order any food but the bartender made sure to keep our drinks fresh. I'd come back and get a table as it looked like a great time. We enjoyed the music and some dancing too. 10/10 great place for GNO or date night :)
A fun lively place in the heart of Calle Ocho. Tables are only if you will be ordering food. Drinks and food came out in a timely manner.
We came here for a night cap. Music was good and drinks were great. Service was quick too! 4.4 stars.
2 years ago
We stopped in during the middle of the day on our way to the airport, luggage in hand. It was blazing hot outside. July hot. The hostess said we couldn't sit at a table unless we ordered food. Fine. Whatever. Water. AC. Don't care, get me in there. Once we were sat it was great! Mojitos were delicious, complete with a sugar cane stick. So good! A band started playing Cuban music and it was so fun. We ordered churros and they were good too! I would love to go back to experience it at night. Looks like fun! read more
1 year ago
Maria B, you were a rockstar and deserve 5 stars! We walked in to no space left and a few reserved signs but she made it work for us. The drinks were so, so good! We got a few and the night was so good that I don't remember the names lol. Maria was very attentive and made great recommendations. We also got vegetarian tacos and they were very well made with fried yucca in them. Very flavorful! The live music was truly popping and people were dancing happily. It was a delight and highly recommend!! We do recommend reservations if you can get them, otherwise look around for bar seating. read more
2 years ago
Awsome environment. The band was amazing food . Is amazing. Our server, Maria., was great. And all the other workers . Went out of their way to make sure I was ok . I'll come came back here my next trip to Miami Florida. read more
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Felipe B.
Thanks for sharing your experience! We will see you on the dance…
6 months ago
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3 years ago
I'm so excited to write this review! I bough some friends in from LA for dinner and drinks. They absolutely loved it! I was quite impressed by the excellent service, from the host to the bar tender and our waitress all five start service! They all took care of us w/smiles and happy to serve us. As a local I can say that many restaurants have lost the sense and touch of what service is and should be. The food was delicious and the Salsa music was spot on. I highly recommend visiting Ball and Chain. read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
One star for location & band. We were seated at a table that had a broken leg and was shaking from the start. Ordered 2 drinks - their "world famous" mojito and a spicy margarita. Both tasted like watered down lemonades - they are definitely not using real Bacardi or tequila - for $ $16 a pop. Menu is a bit off from regular Cuban restaurants. We ordered veggie tacos (taco with one yuca frita inside, pico de gallo and bean paste), skirt steak (comes with a side of yuca frita) and chicken quesadilla (no sides). Something in the quesadilla smelled rotten and as soon as the plate was set down at the table it made my stomach turn. To the point where I had to run to the bathroom to throw up. The prices are pretty hefty, understand it's a tourist spot, so expected. However, they add a service charge (7%), then tip (18%), THEN tax you on that amount. It's crazy! read more
Stopped in for lunch. Food was ok, lots of very greasy fried options. Service was good and management checked in on us. They had a band that played live music that was pretty cool. Ambiance reminds me of a salty Key West bar, minus the interesting characters. This place is full of tourists and a walking tour full of tourists stopped twice in front of the restaurant to talk about the history of Ball and Chain, which is quite interesting. I recommend going at least once, and once is definitely enough for me. read more
Decided to come to this location while scrolling for event to do during New Year's Eve. I remember coming here once for one cocktail; therefore, my experience here was limited. When we arrive we were informed our reservation was cancel due to tables only doing bottle serve for the night. Since we had came in before the rush, the host was kind enough to offer us a table for about two hours to order food and drinks. To start the appetizer we ordered was the Chicharrones con Guacamole. This dish was okay nothing too spectacular and the pork was a bit cold for me but my partner loved it. As for the main entrees, we both had the Chicken Fricassee. This was the star of the show. Absolutely mouth watering. The seasoning and presentation was superb. We both enjoyed this dish and would probably come again for it. The rest of the night was fabulous liked with love performance and music. It was definitely a great choice. read more
2 years ago
What a vibrant world where the energy is contagious, the drinks are flavorful, and the dance floor is calling your name. This lively bar is a pulsating hub of excitement, perfect for those looking to let loose and have a great time. We witnessed so many fun celebrations with the staff going all out - literally releasing confetti and serenading groups. Definitively a spot to come with a group for a celebration! However, it's worth noting that Ball & Chain can get quite crowded, especially in the main area that is awkwardly shaped as the bar takes up the majority of the room by being the center focus. We stuck to the outdoor patio where there was far more space and places to sit. We wanted to dance but couldn't find room on the dance floor so had to leave to hop to another spot. While the lively atmosphere adds to the excitement, the overcrowding can sometimes make it challenging to move around freely or find a comfortable spot to enjoy your drinks. Despite this minor downside, the overall experience at Ball & Chain is one of fun, laughter, and unforgettable moments. read more
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Felipe B.
This review warms our heart Elizabeth! Thank you for sharing your…
Loved the authentic cuban food, we ordered fried red snapper, cuban sandwich and fish tacos. The espresso martini is delicious! We were sat outside and enjoyed music from a dj and quick service! Definitely recommend stopping here when coming to Little Havana! read more
1 year ago
Really fun place with live music, good drinks, and good food. The vibe inside is vibrant with vintage style. The Ball & Chain Burger was fantastic. A staple in Little Havana! The service is a little slow but you're too busy having fun to realize. When I'm in Little Havana I'll always stop in for a drink or a bite. read more
2 years ago
Great ambiance, love music. They're mojitos were yummy and Cuban sandwiches were good too! Great place to take a group and have a good time. We got lucky and were able get a table for 8 around 3:30p, but right after it got really busy. read more
Ball & Chain is a historic bar located on what is now Calle Ocho in Little Havana. It opened in 1935 when the road it sits on was a dirt trail which was the southern terminus of Highway 41, a national road that began in the Midwest. Highway 41 was the major route through the Everglades into Miami. Eventually Southwest Eighth street was paved and a neighborhood grew up around Ball & Chain. Ball & Chain operated from the 30's through the 50's and some of the famous names who performed here include Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker. In the 50's. Ball & Chain was owned by Jewish entrepreneur Henry Schechtman, a dealer in stolen liquor and bootleg cigarettes and a known affiliate of organized crime. Still Schechtman was a progressive thinker and was able to bring a lot of performers to Miami, including African Americans during segregation who he would put up in his own Tower Hotel nearby. At the end of the 1950's a large influx of Cubans fleeing Castro flooded into the neighborhood. In 1958, Ball & Chain became the Copa Lounge Tavern and in 1967 Copa closed and the building became the Futurama Furniture Store which closed in the mid 1990's. In the 2000''s, the Barlington Group, which had invested in Little Havana real estate began an extensive renovation of the building so that Ball & Chain could once again offer food, drinks, and entertainment. The Ball & Chain now reflects the Hispanic culture of Little Havana by serving Cuban food and cocktails. I was headed to Azucar next door when I was walking by Ball & Chain and was lured in by the live music. I loved all of the historic photos and news clippings on the wall. When restoring the bar, the new owners were committed to keeping as much of the original club's look and style as possible. This included the original concrete block walls and actual posters from the '50s advertising the club's performers. Before I knew what was happening I found myself at the bar sipping an incredible mojito while enjoying the steamy heat of an afternoon on Calle Ocho. They have a pineapple shaped stage in the outdoor backyard area but it was being used for storage on the day I visited. I love anything historic so this bar checked all of my boxes. Consider it a must stop to experience the full flavor of Little Havana. read more
The decor and live music drew us in here as we were passing by. Definitely makes you feel like you're traveling in a different country! The happy hour included 2 for 1 drinks and the cocktails were really good, especially the spicy margarita. We didn't eat here but the food looked good. The back has an outdoor patio and stage too. Staff was awesome and prompt. Nice entertaining bar and restaurant right in the center of little havana. read more
7 months ago
What a vibe! Great location in Little Havana, a nice large, central bar surrounded by seating and dancing peeps makes for challenging order situation but the bartenders did a good job keeping things straight. There was a free Salsa group class, which was the reason we went, but first the live band... man it was so enjoyable to just listen to their cuban latin music ... people moving to the rhythm just having a fantastic time! Once they were done, the instructor guy came and, in this narrow section on one side of the bar, some 25 of us squeezed in and followed along. He was an amazing dancer though it was difficult to hear his instructions. It was less of a lesson than follow-along. When that short 30-min passed, more people broke out and serious salsa couples came out and just graced the floor. The level was high. They also had an outdoor space to the back which wasn't used but overall this was a happening place in town for sure. Highly recommend to couples visiting, locals, and GROUPS to just come and put on those dancing shoes & blaze that dance floor! I'm coming back soon... after taking some salsa lessons. :P read more
3 years ago
It was ok. I only stopped in to have a drink to waste time before my food tour stopped. I tried the gave sangria. It was strong that's for sure. But quite expensive. Now this is my first time visiting Miami so maybe this is the norm. But the drink was already $18, then got my bill and a service fee was added as well as tip already. Long story short that $18 drink ended up costing me $27. Needless to say I didn't order another thing lol. read more
2 years ago
Very disappointed in my recent experience at Ball & Chain. What happened to this place? It was a great place to visit pre covid. Now it seems like they have dishonest servers working there. We were a big group of 30 people celebrating a birthday party. Everyone complained how the drinks and food was so expensive. Service was slow and cocktails were mostly ice. I went to the bar to hear the live music and ordered two drinks, one single, one double. I should've checked the bill but it was very dark. I realized later I was charged for 4 drinks! On top of that was a 7% service charge and 18% tip added. What?! Sadly, I will not return to Ball & Chain and definitely won't recommend this place to anyone. read more
The food and entertainment was good! Also, they have a happy hour (I came after 5PM and it ends at 7PM). The happy hour is two drinks for the price of one; $14 which is reasonable considering how expensive Miami is. The pork was a little dry for me but the flavor with the onions was good. It wasn't crowded so my food and drinks came right away. The server was nice too! Will recommend this spot. read more
1 year ago
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2 years ago
Love this bar! Proper buzzing place with friendly staff, delicious food and amazing music We had a great night read more
3 years ago
Food was good and so was the service honestly it's a vibe if you want to hear music and just relax i. The day time I just think everything was just a little over price for what it was definitely a tourist trap read more
1 year ago
Great atmosphere and vibe! The Cubano sandwich was amazing! Loved the band, the older gentleman dancing in front and Steve the bar manager was so welcoming and hospitable !He's a gem! read more
They get a 5 certainly for atmosphere, creating a Cuban atmosphere and a good live band playing music from Cuba. It is located in the heart of Little Havana, diagonally across from Domino Park. It is more of a place to people watch, listen to the band and have a drink or 2 (nurse it even during happy hour). This is a touristy restaurant and it is a happening. Having been here with friends in the past, I would not order food here as it is not their strong point and if we did, I would not be able to give it a 5 rating based on past experience. read more
3 years ago
Goo Title: A Historic Gem with Fantastic Food and Music - Ball & Chain Delivers an Unforgettable Experience Ball & Chain, a historic Cuban restaurant in Miami, continues to captivate visitors with its incredible food, lively music, and rich heritage. Stepping into this iconic establishment is like stepping into a time capsule, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Miami. During our visit in early May, celebrating my husband's and my mom's birthdays before another cruise, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a sense of nostalgia. As we settled in, we noticed that the service was a little slow. However, the ambiance and overall experience at Ball & Chain made it easy for us to be patient and understanding. The food at Ball & Chain is nothing short of phenomenal. We couldn't resist ordering their delicious plantain fries, which were an absolute delight. The flavors were exquisite, and it was clear that great care and attention were put into every dish. The menu offered a wide variety of Cuban specialties, ensuring there was something to please every palate. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the live music. The talented musicians created an electrifying atmosphere, filling the air with infectious rhythms. What made the experience even more special was the interaction between the musicians and my son. They generously shared their instruments and taught him how to play, creating cherished memories for our family. While we noticed that the back area of the restaurant seemed to be closed during our visit, it added an air of mystery and intrigue. We weren't sure if it was due to renovations or if it was only open in the nighttime. Nonetheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our time inside, surrounded by the vibrant decor and historical charm. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the outside area with water spritzers offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the music, take in the atmosphere, and unwind. It's a great option for those who simply want to stand, listen, and immerse themselves in the lively energy of Ball & Chain. In conclusion, a visit to Ball & Chain is a must for anyone in Miami or exploring Florida. The combination of fantastic food, captivating live music, and a rich historical backdrop creates an unforgettable experience. While the service may be a little slow at times, the overall ambiance and the joyous atmosphere make it easy to embrace and enjoy. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Miami and create lasting memories at this iconic Cuban restaurant. read more
Walking on the street you can hear the live band playing from Ball & Chain. From that movement I knew tonight was going to be a fun night. The drinks were spot on, the guava martini was something I've never tried but the idea of guava and vodka is kinda like "how didn't I think of that". The old fashion was my favorite, instead of bourbon they used rum and instead of an orange peel as garnish they used a tobacco leaf, which was genius. The whole drink complimented itself very well. The service was extremely friendly and fun, they all had a smile and interacted with the guest which is always a plus. You can tell the bartenders knew what they were doing, because they were consistently putting out highly quality drinks fast, while also interacting with the guest. Overall, my experience was great and I definitely recommend checking it out as a tourist so you get a little taste of Cuba or even as a local to enjoy some great drinks. read more
10 months ago
Hall & Chain has been in Little Havana since 1935. We come for the live Cuban music and mojitos. Original old gas lighting, no air conditioning & fabulous music. Happy hour is from 4 to 7 where drinks are two for the price of one. We've been disappointed with the food options here, fortunately, there are many delicious Cuban options along Calle de Ocho on both sides of Ball and Chain. read more
Great place to go and enjoy live Cuban music with friendly staff but didn't care for the food nor the drinks. We went on a Saturday night at 7pm for dinner and live music. We made a reservation since there was 14 of us. When we arrived we had to wait 15 minutes, since our table wasn't ready. Once we were seated it took a while for our server to come and take our drink orders. Once she took all the orders we waited more then 1/2 hour to get our drinks. we understood the wait time since there were 14 orders. But then it took our server 1/2 hour more to come back and take our entree orders. And it was so loud that our server couldn't hear us so we had to write it down on our phones to show her what we wanted to order. So for drinks I had the mojito, which was ok, but there was way to much ice for my liking. For the entree, I ordered the fish tacos and the Guava pastry. The taco was mediocre and the Guava pastry wasn't bad. But the music was great! I would go back just for the music. Go eat somewhere else and come here for the music! read more
More info about Ball & Chain
1513 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33135
Little Havana
Directions
(305) 643-7820
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http://ballandchainmiami.com
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Ask the Community - Ball & Chain
Hi, is it full outside garden area or is part of the Restaurant inside with AC?
Great question! The doors are usually open weather permitting, however there is an indoor bar along with indoor seating with AC. I do hope this answer helped you.
Is this place kids friendly we have a birthday coming there and I have a 7 month old baby?
To me it's typical bar scene, live music which can get loud with the crowd getting loud too if the band is awesome, which most likely will be, and if they open the doors in good weather, traffic noises may get loud as well. Hope this helped!
Do you offer any happy hour or drink specials?
Yes, Monday thru Friday from 4pm to 7pm
Live music on a Sunday night? We will be in town 2/23/20. Also is there a happy hour on Sunday? Thank you!
Check their website for a list of entertainment
What kind of music is played on Saturday night!!?
Hi! I think it's dependent on the night. Check their events site, but I saw jazz and Salsa
Is there happy hour?
Yes there is! And the servers will inform you when the time is almost up so that you can put another order in! (I think it's 5-7)
Only Spanish music?
Outside most of the time. Inside is a little bit of everything
Interested in celebrating my sisters 19th Birthday... how much would a bottle cost and also how old to get in?
not sure if they do bottle service, didn't see a age list to get in all ages seemed welcomed
I want to go with my sister but she's 18 can she go?
Yes, I believe so, at least during the day. She can order food but not drinks. But always, call them and ask.
Does this place have a cover fee to access?
Hello Maria Never a cover at the Ball & Chain. We look forward to serving you soon.…
How does one get hired as a dancer at B&C?
Take a few classes at Miami Movement and learn how a real salsa dancer dances first, before you fill out the application!
How much are the bottles $ in order to reserve a table for Saturday night?
Tables are a minimum of 1 bottle which ranges from $225 to $350 for a bottle, you can ask for a menu to see the prices of each bottle, but certain bands that play are so good that people tend to reserve sooner than later!
Is this 21+ or 18+?
From noon till 8pm all ages can come in, but after 8pm you have to be 21+ with a valid ID to go in.
My partner my sister and myself will be sightseeing in Miami all day. We really wanted b to visit ball and chain but I'm wondering about the dress code? We don't want to travel all the way back to our hotel to get changed.…
Dress code is simple, after 8pm for the males = no beach ware as in don't look like you just came from the beach, no sleep ware don't look like you just woke up in you pjs, no gym shorts, no baseball caps (you can wear any other hat like a fidora,…
Tell me the name of the place where I can go tonight Friday to dance Latin Salsa in Miami, thanks.?
Ball & Chain - Friday Sept 1st - there's an awesome live band named Palo - highly recommend??
What is the scene on a Tuesday or Wednesday night? Type of music? Live? Need reservations for a group 7?
Monday thru Saturday Pepe Montes plays from noon until 6pm on Monday and Tuesday jazz plays from 6pm to 8:30pm, on Wednesday jazz plays 6pm till 8:30pm and DJ comes on and karaoke is on the back pineapple stage, on Thursday jazz starts 6pm ends at…
Review Highlights - Ball & Chain
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