Best 50 of the World for a reason. Best 50 of the World for a reason!!! We went last night and restaurant was packed, even though the GM Rene, master in hospitality gave us a table right the way! Evelyn took care of us like family members and she was beyond of excellent: very knowledgeable about menu mentioning every single ingredient of plate and recommended Octopus, it was melting in the mouth, Skirt steak ropa vieja, explosion of flavors, bacalao croquettes, wow, Cuban sandwiches empanadas, omg!!! We were impressed behind the bar from Loiver and Yasmani that welcomed us like brother and sister and made amazing Mojito and exquisite Daiquiri following International Cocktails recipe: they are from another planet and made every one happy! Live music bring you directly to Vina and all guest ended up dancing! Very fun night!!! Looking forward for the best culinary experience we ever had! Bravissimi!!! read more

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La Trova is an Amazing place. The ambiance is electrifying, especially when the band is playing. We recently moved to MIA, and have frequented La Trova approximately 4 times already, and can't wait to go back. Friendly staff, prompt service, great bartenders. Their band is on FIRE! Have had dinner at least twice, their plates will not disappoint. Good flavors and extremely fast and efficient when it comes to bringing you the food. It does make me think that all the options have been pre cooked. Nonetheless, the flavors are still great. Come for a drink or dinner, stay for the music and dance the night away. One more note, after midnight, the back room turns into an 80's mini club. It's an experience you will want to relieve. read more

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Across the board.. EXCELLENT. We had the best date night! It's an experience, and it was everything I could've asked for. Arrived at 9pm, without reservations. [ I was unaware -- if you want to dine here, it's important to make reservations a week prior ] 1. The staff is courteous. They informed us, there WAS a line to wait for space at the bar. You can eat + drink at the bar. I didn't mind at all -- so we waited about 20 mins, and found a spot in the bar towards the back. 2. The food/drinks are remarkable!!! I had 4 coffee martini's; all so delicious! You can taste the love it was made with. The bar tenders, worked as a team, and offered above average service. Appetizer: Steak Empanadas Main Dish: Ropa Vieja Both, still make my mouth water. So delicious. I am a Miami native, of Cuban descent, so my authenticity standards are high... but they really BLEW ME AWAY! Very authentic. 3. The ambiance was so fun. They had a LIVE BAND! They were so good! Great choice of music. Everyone was dancing, and having fun. Such a fun atmosphere! After 12pm, the bar in the back turns into an 80's club! They had an AMAZING DJ, playing the best 80's songs! What a vibe! If you're looking for a good time, Cafe La Trove is it -- eyes closed! A true 5 star! read more

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We didn't try the food but we enjoyed our time smoking cigars, drinking mojitos, delicious rum, and dancing to the live music the ambiance is lovely and the service is extremely welcoming. read more

Great vibe music & atmosphere! For appetizers I tried the beef empanadas, risotto croquettes, ham croquettes, lobster croquettes , queso frito, vaca frita sliders calabaza empanadas, and the bacon wrapped dates. All these appetizers were good minus the risotto croquettes, these were dry, I wouldn't order them again. My favorite of all were the dates, these were amazing! For entree I had the whole fried snapper, and enjoyed it. I tried the fish with coconut rice off my boyfriends plate which was also good, the lechon dish someone at the table ordered was disappointing, everyone could agree this dish was not good at all, and it was left uneaten. They have some unique fun drinks, love that they put coffee in the piña colada, what a great touch! All in all a fun place to have some tapas, drinks and a good time with some great entertainment! read more

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Went for Mother's Day and we couldn't have picked a better place. You can't go wrong with their wine selection and their old fashion. For appetizers we started with the grilled octopus and masita de puercos. For the main course we ordered the oxtail and ribeye (ribeye was on the Mother's Day special menu) and for the dessert the bread pudding. The BEST bread pudding that I ever had. Our waitress Isis was superb along with the live music. It's our 3rd time going to Cafe La Trova and it won't be our last. read more

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Amazing time! Food was fresh and delicious, the live band was incredible and really had the place going! Love the atmosphere made the dinner more memorable. Service was quick and very helpful, drinks were tasty! Must have the cocktails! read more

Cafe La Trova - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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22 years living in Miami and I cant believe I've never been here before. Great HH and the food was delicious. Loved the croquetas spinach and Fera cheese- and the calamari. Great staff- we seated at the bar and I tried the best Cosmo on hearth - thanks to Yasmani. The band was amazing- read more

Cafe La Trova - Cosmo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in to find an Amazing atmosphere! Feels like New York Salsa with great live music. Their restaurant serves great Cuban food plus the service was great. Looking for a fun place to eat, dance or just plain sit back and be entertained.....this is it!! read more

Wanted the bar experience and to see the magic at work. They not only provided excellent cocktails, they also entertain you when the band is on stage ( playing instruments and dancing behind the bar). If you want a cigar they have them for you. They will cut them, light them and if you so choose suggest a good pairing of a drink with your cigar. Then take it out front or back and enjoy. adiós por ahora read more

Cafe La Trova - Banana's Tres Leches - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Was super pleased to walk into this new spot in Lil' Havana. Happy hour was fantastic, restaurant atmosphere was fresh, and the staff was efficient and very well dressed. This spot is going to be huge here and I already can't wait to try more of their delicious cocktails and appetizers. They also have live music after 8 on fridays! read more

Cafe La Trova - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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:::::TOURIST TRAP::::: BUYER BEWARE: they offer and introduce a Branzino dish but BUYER BEWARE this is not the Branzino on the menu that is $46.00 it's another Branzino that they up charge for $95.00. In addition, another BUYER BEWARE is they hide the 20% gratuity under "charge and fee" when you ask the waitress what exactly that is charge - "she says it's for the band" never says it tip or gratuity, but reminds you there's a tip line - if you do the math it's 20% so yes, it is a 20% gratuity. I'm a local and was visiting for the first time. I took some friends from out of town. This will be the last time. Unfortunately, I can not recommend this restaurant with so many other great spots on Calle ocho. I like clean business, not shady tourist trap. Another thing they didn't tell us about the Happy Hour. :( read more

Always a great experience here. Food was served Fast, Fresh and Hot. Taste was phenomenal. Their tapas are delicious. I really enjoy the food there. Music is a huge bonus. read more

Very lively ambiance but the food was subpar. With so many Cuban restaurants in Miami this one definitely falls short. Not sure what flavor profile the chef was going for but it is definitely lacking. The only two dishes I would say are the jamón serrano croquettes and the risotto croquettes. The fried cheese was served cold (gross), the snapper was flavorless, the ropa vieja was very chunky and not shredded as it should be, the rabo encendido pasta was missing something. The only reason for the two stars are the lively ambiance due to the live band and the quick service from our waiter. I will not be coming back, and suggest you try any other Cuban restaurant. read more

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I stopped by here for an early dinner. My friend recommended checking it out and I was glad I did. At the time of the visit, Miami spice was going on and it was a splendid value. I had the calamari to start, chicken entree, and the flan as dessert. Everything was impeccable. Very tasty and service was absolutely amazing the entire time. I sat at the bar and would definitely recommend the service there! read more

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So the food was meh. The shredded beef wasn't shredded. The empanadas are good though. Service was good and love the live music! read more

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I love everything about this place! The food was cooked with love. The snapper was perfectly crisp yet not over done. This was my favorite dish that we ordered. The croquettes, ceviche and carpaccio were excellent. The food wasn't overly seasoned, so you could really taste the flavors and ingredients. Beyond the delicious food, the live music had me dancing in my seat with every bite. We migrated to the bar after dinner, and the crowd and bartenders were a vibe! It felt like a family celebration - everyone was genuinely enjoying their time. I loved how diverse it was across generations. Then, the after party at the back bar! If you know, you know. If you don't know 80's music, then this might not be the spot for you. What a delicious and fun time from start to finish! I can't wait to go back here! read more

Cafe La Trova - Halloween weekend birthday celebration. The flan was delectable! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

I was worried it was going to be a tourist trap but it was really enjoyable. Got there early like 6/6:30 and ordered drinks at the bar. Excellent. Once on site, were able to get a last minute table for 2 near the stage for 7:00 (it was a Thursday in January). The band was amazing. The food was very good. The server was kinda checked out, but not a big deal. If you have time beforehand go to the good will across the street! I found some great clothes at amazing prices. read more

Cool old school looking restaurant with live music giving a cuban culture experience. Service was good. The food was over price and not that tasty there's better cuban food out there for better price. This restaurante is definitely a place to go have drinks and dance salsa. read more

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Omg!!! Freaking amazing! Great music in the background, the ambiance is so nice. Kinda slow service but they have a lot of people. The lechon is life changing, as are the cocktails! read more

As a Miami Local, I highly recommend this place. They were recently nominated one of the best bars in the world: for good reason. The Cuban culture with decor, food, live music, and ambience are truly highlighted. We had the luck of being right in front of the band and it was amazing. The Jamon Serrano croquetas were moist and the guava sauce was a perfect pair. The braised beef was sooooo tender and fell apart with the touch of the fork. For me the best part of my meal was the creamed spinach, of which I asked for a side of! This is a must in Miami! read more

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On my first visit to Miami, I knew I needed to try a bit of local flavor, and found La Trova to be the perfect spot to fill this need. Large and expansive, this place seems almost more like a community meeting space and a Cuban community institution than a simple restaurant, and reminded me a lot of the big and luxurious Tex-Mex stand-by restaurants we used to frequent growing up in Texas, only with a tropical, Cuban flair. We stopped in for a pre-dinner drink at their dimly-lit back bar, and sampled classic mojitos, a perfect accompaniment to the convivial atmosphere. We were delighted to find a Cuban horn band taking the stage in the middle of the dining room, made up to look like a romantic street corner in Old Havana. A true must for anyone looking for a true taste of Cuban Miami. read more

Rated The World's 50 best bars, I can definitely understand why! It was my second time coming here for happy hour and it did not disappoint. Live music and $7 drinks and bites for happy hour?! How can you not love this place! I tried the margarita picosa, which has cayenne-agave syrup so if you like your margarita with a little kick, this is the drink for you! Next I ordered the bruja mule, (I switched the Liqoure Strega for some tequila) and it was super refreshing. I was so happy the bartender was able to switch the liquor for me and still keep the happy hour price, most bars won't! Last I ordered the pisco sour before happy hour ended, and it was one of the best/strongest pisco sours I've had! I wasn't too hungry so I decided to go with the lechón sliders and it was more than enough for me. My favorite part was that it was served on a piece of focaccia and the lechón had mojo so it wasn't dry at all. This is a great place to come with family or to bring a date and see how good their salsa skills are lol definitely want to come back for dinner sometime soon! read more

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We made a reservation for Premium seating through their website. The available times for our party was 7:30pm, 9:30pm, or 10pm with a two hour block. We selected the 9:30pm as we had guests who were traveling from out of town and arrived late. Upon our arrival we were promptly seated and attended to by our waiter. He took our drink order then came back for our meal selections. During ordering, he requested that we put in both our apps and main courses in at the same time. We didn't understand why but that's what we did. The apps were served quickly and were delicious. About 10 minutes after receiving our apps, the main courses came out and we weren't even close to finishing our apps. Regardless, we made room on the table and carried on with our meal. The band at this point started playing and they were also wonderful. We absolutely loved the vibe they brought and were looking forward to dancing once dinner was finished. About 20 minutes after our mains were served the waiter came and asked that we order our dessert course because the kitchen closed at 10pm. We were all a bit perplexed as to how a 9:30pm reservation would have a kitchen close at 10pm. This was super disappointing as we felt rushed the entire time. Also, we noticed the band had taken what we thought was a break but come to find out they were done for the evening. How can you provide a 2 hour block of time, ask us to pay for premium seating, and then rush us through dinner and not provide entertainment during that block of time which is the main reason we came? Our guests all looked at each other in disbelief. We paid our tab and ended up at Ball & Chain to dance which wasn't our original plan. Summary, if you're going, be sure it's on a weekend because mid-week late seating will leave you disappointed. read more

What a fun place. Not too far from Brickell City center (we actually walked there) Music is great, food was yummy! Would def return! read more

Cafe La Trova - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

It was an incredible night, the place is very cozy and you feel like you are in Cuba, pure nostalgia, the comfort is incredible, very delicious, we were celebrating my dear mother-in-law's 82nd birthday, she had fun and told me what a very good choice I had made, she was amazed, the service 10/10, the dinner 10/10 and the atmosphere 10/10, everything was exceptional, I am very happy to know that in Miami there are still places with such quality like Cafe La Trova, we will surely return very soon read more

Somewhat disappointed to say the least. Read until the end. A week before attending I told the restaurant it was a special occasion as it was my wife's birthday. I booked ahead from the UK. Upon arrival I reminded them it was my wife's birthday. Towards the end of the evening three members of staff went over to two tables with a few pans and sticks and bashed out some kind of birthday song and brought out some cake. As they finished I said to our head waiter "Are you doing that because people on those tables are celebrating birthdays?" He confirmed that was the case. I reminded him it was also my wife's birthday. I expected something to happen but nothing did! Instead all I got was the bill for $250+ on top of the $32 just to reserve a table. The bill included a 20% service charge. I was then offered the opportunity to tip on top of that! Guys, you only tip on top of 20% if in my view you get excellent service. We did not get that and you should have recognised that before presenting the bill. Was the food good? Yes. Was the service good? Well you can make up your own mind. How many times do you have to tell someone it's a special occasion? We told them three times and it fell on deaf ears. $280+ for pretty s*** service on what should have been a very special occasion that we travelled a hell of a long way to celebrate. Thanks for nothing. read more

So happy to find a much better alternative to old and tired Cuban restaurants who are "phoning it in" and resting on their laurels. We all know who I'm talking about! This is exactly what you want when looking for a Cuban evening of good food, energy, cocktails, live music and good service. I was amazed that despite the crowds our food came out quickly and our drinks, lightening fast! The crowd was a variety of families, couples, and some tables of "girls night out". I loved the mix! Live music starts at 7:30. Get there at 6 for happy hour, then get a reservation for the dining room in time for the music! read more

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We went during a packed Sunday night. The live music was AMAZING. The waiters are all dressed in retro Cuban style. The drinks where great. There were no tables avail es but you can sit at the bar. The kitchen closed at 10pm so we could not order a bite. Great experience I would go back a bit earlier though. The Bank was spectacular. read more

Cafe La Trova - Hotel National cocktail was not too sweet - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

PSA : Tourist trap. The food was mediocre at best and at a very high price point. It's loud so you can't really talk and the only redeeming parts of this experience is the service was nice and live music starts around 730 or 8pm if I'm remembered correctly. If you want to check it out, only order drinks and MAYBE some sides. But don't bother with the apps and entrees. My grilled octopus was so over cooked that it was the toughest tent I've ever eaten. It was so overcooked that the cups of the tent fell if the tentacle. read more

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Man, you have to try the Skirt Steak Ropa Vieja. It is Fire, and it has a delicious taste of some deep barbecue flavor with Cuban flavor. I almost cant explain it , because everything is good here. Pretty pricey here too lol. so dont forget your wallets lol. read more

A friend and I stopped in for an early dinner before a show were were attending. We sat next to the stage. She ordered a chicken dish that had some sire of tang to ot that was unexpected. I wanted Moro rice but you could only order the rice and black beans separately which I did along with a couple of beef empanadas. The empanadas were pretty good but honestly, the black beans and rice was the best part of both of our dishes. There isn't much parking. My friend was able to get a spot on the restaurant's tiny lot before paid parking started. I parked on the street. When she returned to her car, paid parking had begun and the guy made her pay to get her car out of the lot, which seemed ridiculous . As we went on a weeknight and things were pretty slow, it's probably quite the spot on a weekend. Not sure if either of us would return. read more

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If I had more stars to choose I would WOULD A VIBE AND THE FOOD WAS AMAZING Croquetas were great.....mushroom and ham Ceviche was so fresh. The lechón with fried pig skin is first class Old fashion was a little weak, but tasted great. Took down 5 before I switched to bourbon on the rocks and did I mention the music.....holy hell need more places like this read more

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Hands down amazing food. Stumbled upon this place and WOW... each of the tapas plates we had such depth of spices. Not to mention the live Cuban music ... I heard it's one of the best places in Miami. I believe it. read more

Cafe La Trova - Music - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Was feeling fancy and wanted to hear a live band with Cuban food. I found this place researching through all of the cuban places in Miami & I am so happy I did. The food was so good, I of course got the ropa vieja and my husband got the arroz con pollo. It's a little dark inside to set the mood but that didn't stop the great service we received. read more

A fun, charismatic restaurant adding a twist on comfort Cuban food! I got the El Guayabero drink which came with a little slice of guava and cheese. It was smokey but sweet at the same time; soo good! We then split the queso frito and croquetas de jamón serrano. Both were great and the perfect size to share. I ordered the arroz con pollo which was good. The chicken comes on top and was nice and crispy. The rice was well seasoned as well. Its a pretty big portion, in my opinion, so make sure you come hungry! Dessert came and we were able to try a bite of everything. The flan was a bit bland. The bread pudding was good with a nice hint of chocolate. And lastly, the churro waffles were delicious! Definitely my favorite. Overall, I would really recommend Cafe La Trova. The music was a little too loud and we were basically screaming over our plates but nonetheless, the music was wonderful. They even have 80's nights on Fridays and Saturdays! Will definitely be checking it out. read more

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The bar and live music were great. The food was delicious and service was good. Extremely loud so it was not the best environment for talking but we did not mind. I loved the empanadas read more

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From the moment I walked in, I was greeted by the lively and vibrant atmosphere, with the sounds of a live Cuban band filling the air. But I'm going to start with my taste buds. First and foremost. The Octopus was so tender I read it a bed time story! PRO TIP: don't leave without the empanadas or jamon croquetas which were full flavor and a great start to the meal. Pro PRO TIP: As a 6'3 and 210lbs guy I would recommend more than one portion of each. The menu featured a wide range of Cuban dishes, from classic favorites like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo to lesser-known delicacies. Each dish was bursting with flavor, prepared with care, and made to order which kept it hot and fresh! Now the restaurant's ambiance was perfect for a night out with friends, a romantic dinner, or to catch a solo vibe. The live music added an extra layer of vibyNESS (new word!). The band was talented and played a mix of traditional Cuban tunes and modern Latin hits, creating an energetic atmosphere that was impossible to resist. But don't forget the cocktails from the refreshing classics of mojitos to the rich and creamy piña coladas, to gin cocktails with its own unique twists. Great now I'm hungry again typing this up!#Cafefe read more

Cafe La Trova is amazing! the ambience is out of this world with amazing live music, great cocktails and food. The service is excellent as well. Manuel was a great server! He took care of us super nice read more

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I found this restaurant via TikTok. Our best dinning experience in Miami/little Havana. We went there on a Tuesday evening around 6:30 and they told us the Live music starts at 7. The place was almost empty but started picking up after we sat down. The service was quick and professional. Drinks were balanced and tasty. We ordered appetizers, sides and entrees and everything tasted great. Live music was cuban and fun to listen to. Had an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend this place and come back if we ever go back to Miami. read more