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.
1 year ago
This restaurant gave me the little Havana experience I needed without actually being in Cuba. Great servers, atmosphere, drinks, and food. I highly recommend the pork tacos! Drinks were great and was pleasantly surprised by the Sunday salsa night! Cannot wait to return! read more
2 years ago
Food, service, ambience, and entertainment were excellent. Definitely would recommend for the cultural experience, taste and sounds, of Cuba. read more
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Felipe B.
Thank you for the mention Barbara! We appreciate you taking the time…
3 years ago
Whether you decide to come to Ball & Chain in the day or night, you won't regret either. In the day time, Ball & Chain serves more as a restaurant, while at night, the venue serves more as a rumba club. Whichever you choose, you won't regret either. I had so much fun! What I love about Ball & Chain is clearly what draws in the people-- the live music! You can spend a lot of time here sipping on your mojitos, people watching, and honestly just enjoying the vibes. read more
My wife and I visited on a Friday night around 7 pm as our first time to Little Havana. Calle Ocho (8th Street) had a mixture of tourists and locals walking up and down the streets to eateries and clubs. It was very vibrant, with audible live music outside, many neon lights, and several outside eating venues. The Ball and Chain seemed to be the central draw for the outside world, likely due to Yelp, Trip Advisor and other "must do" lists in Miami. That said, it was worth the visit. The live band was awesome in this open air club. It is a tight space which for me felt very authentic to its heritage. My wife and I had Mojito's as our donation to keep the tradition alive. I say donation because it was $42 for 2 drinks. We were paying to be there. The main bar area was particularly cramped because a party had reserved 50% of the space. Good for them, not good for wannabe tourists. We sat at the bar and enjoyed our drinks and joined in for a dance or two. Dancing was basically in a tiny space around the stage. Some may assess as cramped, but I viewed it as an authentic experience. There was a dining area in the back of the place that requires reservations, so please plan ahead if you want to sit and eat. That said, I would recommend you enjoy one of the other dozen restaurants along the street, then visit Ball and Chain for the music energy and history. My wife got an Empanada a few doors down for $4 and loved it. So food quality and value is much higher just outside the doors of B&C. read more
10 months ago
4 years ago
Love to stop by this place. The drinks are delicious and the music bumps you right into Havanna feeling. Same like the service team. read more
10 months ago
10 months ago
1 year ago
Ball & Chain has a cool vibe with the live music and all, but it definitely feels more like a spot for tourists than for locals. The service was fine--nothing bad, but not memorable either. Drinks are around $20 each, plus a service charge, which felt a little on the high side for what you're getting. It's a fun place to check out once, but I'll be heading further down Calle Ocho to find something more for locals next time. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
Had a good time. Good music and spontaneous dancing. Man at the door rocking the maracas and bringing a good vibe. Service was great. read more
Business owner information
Felipe B.
Thank you for leaving the review! We appreciate you taking the time!…
First off, the ambiance and the service was great which is what is giving this 3 stars. They had a salsa class going on and it was a fun atmosphere. The drinks and food, however, missed the mark. I had the guava daiquiri which was extremely sweet and tasted like nothing but sugar. The guava sangria was better but had a weird spiced component to it that we did not enjoy. The mule was standard. The food was not good at all. We had the fried cheese, veggie quesadilla and the Cuban sandwich. None of the 3 items were served hot. All the cheese was congealed and the meat in the sandwich felt out of the fridge cold. The fries were soggy and like warm. For a $125 bill we left hungry and found food elsewhere before venturing home. read more
5 years ago
Fun band pulled us in- We are touring around and the waitress was attentive ... until I asked for "just a rum and coke" and they could not produce this? Only the cocktails on the menu? And then offered a Mojito? Yes I can read the cocktail Menu but wanted something simple for this hot afternoon, so I sit here sipping on free water and listening to their fun band Well the 2 cocktails my friends ordered were good, just the rum and coke issue annoyed me. read more
1 year ago
Erick is amazing and so cute! The drinks are great too! The decor is interesting and I'm waiting on the churros now- Yum! read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
Really great place to visit in the Calle Ocho district. Amicable staff, quick service, ambiance is on point with a rustic Cuban/Havana vibe and live music playing. Food was fantastic! Lechón tacos were moist, flour tortilla made the flavors of the pico de gallo and salsa pop a bit more. Parking may be a bit hard to find. read more
This place is very special to the area as it is considered a must see in Little Havana. There is lots of history and culture to soak in around the area. There is City street parking available that you pay for via an app and there is also private parking lots which can be quite costly. You can hear the live band as you approach the restaurant and the energy exudes from within. This is a great place to visit when in Miami or if you want to simply enjoy a great evening out with tasty drinks and a spectacular band. Of the drinks ordered, I'd say any of the guava cocktails are a delight. The mojitos were a little small for the price but they were okay. The wings and fries were pretty standard in flavor, they had a nice glaze but were a tad bit salty. Overall, it is a fun place to hang out and grab a few drinks. Even with the place being packed, the service wasn't compromised and I recommend visiting this South Florida landmark! read more
3 years ago
The food, service, and music were amazing!! Maria is so great!!! And the tacos, quesadillas, and Mojito's are first class. read more
2 years ago
Went to this amazing place at night for drinks and music!! This place was sooo much fun and the performers killed it!!! I highly recommend this place for anybody that loves a good party with excellent music!!!! read more
3 years ago
Food was amazing! Ambiance is great! Live music was awesome, service and hospitality were excellent! read more
2 years ago
During our tour of Little Havana we stopped in for a tequila shot snd my friend got a draft beer. The bar area was pretty crowded on a Friday afternoon. Mostly due to people popping in to watch the live band. You could hear the music from the street. People were singing along and dancing on the sidewalk. The band was very entertaining and they even invite guest to play along. There was a box of tambourines and bongos to choose from. Since it was my friends birthday I cheered her on to dance and sing alongside the band. We had fun and enjoyed our drinks then back to the tour. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
2 years ago
The atmosphere is great . Good music and vibe , had no chance to try the food but the drinks are good and great during happy hour . Only reason 4 star because there is no actual AC or cold place just fans and mist read more
Business owner information
Felipe B.
Thank you for the kind words! With the heat being so bad this year…
2 years ago
The food and service were good. They have live music (6% service charge) playing and it was comfortable inside even though the dining area is open to the outside. Id recommend the jerk wing appetizers. The black beans and rice that come with some of the dishes didn't have any salt which left them a little bland in flavor though. The ambience/live music made up for it though. read more
3 years ago
Definite must stop bar in Little Havana great affordable drinks. Great atmosphere. Great bar. Great service. read more
2 years ago
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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