"What's so special about Cafe La Trova?", he asked. Me, incredulous: "It's the #21 Bar in The World, and you know how extremely accurate these superlative lists are - ESPECIALLY the Forbes Billionaires List" .... I then had to pinch myself to see if I was hallucinating, both from the audacity of his question and from how handsome he looked asking it. In this case, all superlatives well earned!! As of 2022: Not only is Cafe La Trova #21 in the world, but #6 in North America, and #1 in the South! Whoa! We made a reservation for early Sunday night (5:45!) to be on the safe side - and it's a good thing we practiced safety. The venue was packed. Valet parking was $12. Walking in we were greeted with a great ambiance and good mood lighting. We were seated exactly next to the stage, which means we also got to indulge in every millennials dream: No no, not naked bongo drumming, even though we were close enough. No, we got to text each other in public sitting directly across from each other. Oh yes. Swipe right. Really, if you want to go on a first date and not have to hear her yap endlessly, please request "courtside" seats. I would not advise this place for any type of meaningful conversation during dinner/live music hours. However, the live music itself was excellent. I also discovered my dashing dining companion is quite the skilled table dancer. As in, seated. Not standing on top of. I didn't notice much of a dance floor at 630 PM, but maybe the place clears out later in the night. Bears mentioning that there is limited bar seating, and there was no cover. Reservations for tables must order dinner. Food was delicious and came out lightning fast. We had ceviche and ropa vieja. We'd rank the ceviche as 7.5, and the beefcake ranks the cuban beef as an 8. I had the "Award Winning" Buenavista drink to top it off. This cocktail can not be customized, unfortunately but it was nice. I wasn't planning on writing a review until I received a thank you email from La Trova. Though automated, it was an impressive touch. They aren't taking their #21, #6, or #1 status for granted. This type of humility makes me want to stop, drop, and write a review (after years of hiatus) in support of establishments like this. Here's a vote for #1, #1, and #1 going forward - salud! read more

No contactless payment! Went on a Friday night, had a few drinks and food (good) were having a decent time as the music was also good. Then came time to pay and server said they only accepted physical card. We showed them website stating Apple Pay accepted and said no, he needed the card. Not only is this not safe especially in a place like Miami, but made me walk 3 blocks past midnight to search for my wife's card she luckily had in the trunk. This type of service is unacceptable, we were in San Jose Costa Rica two weekends ago and every restaurant and bar accepted contactless payment. We can't be this bad! read more

Cafe La Trova - Website indicates contactless payment - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Nice place! Great Cuba traditional music! Nice ambience with nice people Appetizers are very good, drinks and cerveza Hatuey!! I highly recommend read more

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If you are down for a personalized service, well mixed drinks and delicious bites/dishes, ah and with live Cuban music after 7pm; this is the place to stop over. I came for the 4pm happy hour(literally had to wait 5 min until they opened) and loved it so much that I came back at 8pm for dinner, more drinks and the live music. Get yourself out of the tourist traps along the water front and either go for a 40 min walk on the Calle 8 or Uber (7 min away). You will certainly appreciate the excellent service and everything that comes with it. If you decide to visit it, I hope you like it as much as I did. Enjoy! read more

Cafe La Trova - The front bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Stopped in yesterday to enjoy Cafe La Trova's Miami Spice menu, and I left very full and very pleased! My boo and I arrived a bit before our reservation, so we decided to grab a drink at the bar while we waited for the rest of our party to arrive. To our delight, we learned that happy hour was going on until 7pm, so we took advantage. I had a mojito (because you can't go to a Cuban spot and NOT order one) and we split an order of calamari (delish!) Now, onto Miami Spice! Every order comes with a complimentary Old Fashioned or Classic Daiquiri. I went with the daiquiri, which was nothing to write home about, but appreciated nonetheless. For my appetizer, I ordered the jamon serrano croquetas (five ham and cheese croquette bites atop a sweet jam), which were pleasant but I should've opted for another item. My boo got the ceviche, which was super fresh and tasty, while another friend got a hearty polenta serving and yet another got some delectable fried cheese. For my entree I went with the arroz con pollo, which was very filling and absolutely delicious. A little different than most other Cuban spots, as they serve the chicken grilled instead of on the bone. The other dishes at the table (ropa vieja, short rib) also looked great. There's only one dessert option - flan atop a maracuya sauce with a side of cream - which really hit the spot. Live music started at 7pm on the dot, so we were able to enjoy about 20 minutes before it became unbearable to try to speak. This is definitely something to take into consideration if you and your dining companions are looking to chat or looking more for dinner & a show. Plenty of street parking available or valet out front. read more

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Found this spot by searching for good croquetas in Little Havana. What a wonderful find! The interior is fun and beautiful, the staff is friendly and well-informed, and we were happily surprised there was a FANTASTIC Cuban band playing on a Tuesday evening. It is a little loud if you are looking to really have a dinner with meaningful conversation, but so fun and a great spot for a delightful dinner! read more

Cafe La Trova - Band on a Tuesday evening. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

Absolutely amazing! Went for a birthday celebration on Thursday night, and they did not disappoint. I wasn't able to make a reservation and the staff was very accommodating- but in the future I will try harder since it's worth it! Truly dinner and a show! read more

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This place is adorable for date night! I must say everything was perfect except front of the house. The host has a little bit of an attitude, other than that the live band was incredible and put on a show. We ended up sitting at the bar where Israel the bartender made great recommendations. We got the octopus, fried cheese and the calamari all excellent choices. Will be back for ambience and bartender for sure. read more

One of the best dinner atmospheres in the city. I love everything about this place, the music performances, the decorations, the amazingly crafted drinks, how lively/packed the restaurant gets and of course the food. This time around I got the Rabo Encendido and the skirt steak. Both were delicious, however be careful with the rabo, might not be filling if really hungry. But this is the case with all ox tail meals served no matter the restaurant. The food was perfectly seasoned and honestly craving it again just writing about it. The drinks were probably the best part of the night. No matter what you get trust it will be the perfect combination of taste vs. liquor concentration. Ordered the churro waffles at the end and they did not disappoint. What made the dessert that much better was Nutella and cream on the side. Can't wait to be back! read more

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Great place for food, dancing and drinks. I fully recommend it for a romantic night out on the town. Make a reservation.

An absolute gem in Little Havana! We enjoyed a combination of appetizers, mojito flavors, main dishes and then had the nerve to share the dessert. Ha. The food is fantastic and you just feel like you are in a little bit of Havana while you are there. Love music and amazing service topped this experience off! I will def be back! And. And. And. They had a Picadillo plant base option! Delicious. read more

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

You really don't come here for the food, its really about the atmosphere. The food is comprable to the type of food you get at a wedding reception, everything is pre-prepared and pre-plated. As a local, this is a one and done for me, unless I am hosting someone from out of town. The place does have a genuine Miami vibe with the decorations and the live Latin music. I still would recommend going but be aware its about the ambiance. read more

We had a large party and secured a reservation one month in advance for my mom's birthday. They joined three tables- my husband said it felt like we were in a backyard. $1000+ later + 18% tip I was told they could not bring me water because they were too busy. Band was truly awesome. Food mediocre and over priced. Find someplace else to dance. Not good for large parties. read more

Cafe La Trova - Beautiful tables for 1100.00 + 18% tip - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

One of the best meals in Miami. Service, staff and atmosphere were all great. Didn't have a reservation but got lucky and was seated right away. The lechon was delicious ( seasoned well and moist), the red snapper was fried perfectly, the churro waffles was the perfect end to the meal. The cubano empanada is a must read more

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Excellent happy hour. We loved the Pisco Sour and the happy hour food did not disappoint. Take note, the happy hour is only at the bar and it is first come, first serve. Gratuity (18%) is also included in the bill. They have live music as well which was really fun to watch and see people dance to it. Well deserved 50 Best Bars recognition read more

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My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed Cafe La Trova. We reserved a table close to the band--worth it! The mojitos were good. We had the Cuban sandwich empanadas which were very good. My wife had ropa vieja which was fantastic. I had lechon which was the best I've ever eaten. The wait staff is superb. This is a great place for parties of 4-8. Try it. You won't be disappointed. read more

Way over rated! LOUD! Don't go there unless you know sign language. Even the waiters just ask you to point at the menu. It's definitely a "tourist trap", locals that try it like me won't go back. Way over priced!!! Drinks are good, but nothing you can't get elsewhere. Don't order any wine, there pours are very cheap/skimpy and pricy!! Even when I complained about the pour, the manager said "that's how we pour" (that's customer service for you) . The food was just barely ok with "gourmet" prices. In the end I went with a nice local group and we were all disappointed. Given all the accolades this placed has received, either it's changed since they received them or those publications need to be scrutinized more ‍? If you are a local, stay away. If you are a tourist, there are worst traps you can fall into. The reply from the manager is fabricated and a complete lie. This did not happen. So sad. read more

Great fun and music if you're into great Cuban music and a great show where the bar jumps in. Food has been great last 2 times. Had a few meals prior that were so so. Reservation system and folks seating you can detract from the experience. Sitting in side room, you feel a way from the action, so I recommend spending the extra $ to be "on stage" next to the band. Money well spent. read more

We had terrible experience! First of all, the service was horrible!! Food was really overpriced for its quality, on top of that they charged us twicely and took tips twicely only because we switched from bar to regular table. Musician band was lazy, only played three songs and took brake for around an hour, we had to ask them and the waiters to play again. One of the musicians who was wearing glasses was really rude to us, he even cursed at us when we were standing outside. Overall really bad experience! Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone! read more

This place is a must see, hidden within 8th street we came across this little blue building and inside there was an authentic beautiful bar!!! These bartenders are sooooo experienced and the drinks were fantastic. Honestly took me to an entirely different place I felt like I was in the tropics for sure! My bartenders name was Israel and he was very knowledgeable about the menu and the drinks. the food itself is Cuban food and it is very tasty. I cannot wait to come back! read more

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

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There is an array of vegetarian options. Mushroom croquettes were amazing. The vegetarian dishes are anything but bland, and I'm eager to return and try more. My partner raved about the braised short rib of beef, saying that it was worth every penny. It simply melts in your mouth, and the creamed spinach is so green that it makes you wonder about the chef's secret. The chivirico is a wonderful and innovative cocktail. The flavor of the basil foam is so intense that it could be enjoyed as a dessert on its own. The combination of passion fruit and tequila is also complemented well by the foam. The service was exceptional, and there was live music playing on a Wednesday evening. This place would be perfect for a cute date night, although it can be a bit loud, which is actually a good excuse to snuggle up closer. It would also be great for a family celebration. Trust me, you won't regret dining here. read more

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Such amazing food and the atmosphere is out of this world. I'd travel to Miami just for this experience alone. The manager also reached out after our visit to follow up, which I love that they have it together as a restaurant that puts its customer's first and you can tell the staff like their job because they treat you with kindness and cariño. Best spot in Miami!!! read more

Cafe La Trova - Arroz con Pollo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

What an experience for dinner! The food, music, and service is top notch. Our new favorite restaurant on Calle Ocho!

Café la Trova... where do I begin. This place is IMMACULATE. I've been coming here since they did the friends and family soft opening. Seeing how much recognition this place has gotten WORLDWIDE, I feel honored to have been invited. I've gone back so many times--some with family and friends and others on a date. This place never ceases to surprise me. I love everything about it --the food, ambience, service, location. The cocktails are made with love every time. Those bartenders sure know what they're doing! I always love when they stop and play the instruments with the band. I don't think anyone even gets upset that they have to wait a minute or two extra for their drink. The food.... phe-no-me-nal!!!!! The croquettes, the ropa vieja.. their whole fish.. the main lobster empanadas... all amazing. It's packed with flavor and love. I recommend this to anyone who's looking to get in touch with their Cuban side, all while enjoying a LIVE show. Live music will always get me. I love listening to old salsa hits, it always brings me back to my childhood. This place is all around great for anyone in the little Havana area looking for something different. 10000% recommend reservations given that it's always packed. (Fyi always trust a place that's packed.. that means people are there for a reason). read more

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Great atmosphere, music, super fun place! Definitely would come back. Super cool! Good food also read more

Overpriced tourist trap!! Just because the have entertainment does not justify mediocre service and overpriced food.. do not recommend.

I had the best night out in a long time at Cafe La Trova!!!They offer phenomenal food, drinks, and entertainment. My husband and I enjoyed every detail of our visit from the 3-piece Cuban band, the delicious Latin food, and expertly crafted cocktails. We enjoyed croquettes, empanadas, Ropa Vieja, and Lechon. The spicy cocktail was delicious, as well as their award-winning cucumber cocktail. I also had the best sangria I have ever tried at Cafe La Trova. It was such a treat to see live music for the first time in over a year. The band was lively and entertaining. We had a table right in front, and couldn't have been happier that we made the trip to Little Havana. While I know there are plenty of must-visit places in Miami, I would list this as my number one pick. I will remember this restaurant fondly and will return as often as I can!! read more

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The BEST Cuban Restaurant and Cantinero Bar in Miami with Live Music, Great Cocktails and Cuban Food and nice ambiance

The bartenders are great, very personable and the drinks were delicious, ambiance was fun too. We were there on Sunday for happy hour and had a nice time. Crowd is nice as well. read more

Had an 8pm reservation on a Tuesday night. They overbooked and still couldn't seat us by 9:20. During that hour and twenty minute wait they didn't offer any complimentary drinks or apps for the inconvenience. We left at that point and had to find dinner elsewhere. Customer service doesn't get worse than that. Thought you should know. read more

Located on the historic "Calle Ocho" (8th street) beautiful inside design. There is valet parking available and enough street parking if needed. The inside is beautiful and the music and vibe is "on point" had live music I went on a Thursday. The food and the drinks were amazing as well. The only thing I didn't like was I felt that the front was a bit disorganized. You have a "bouncer" at a restaurant style bar that is just asking you if you have a reservations or not but doesn't relay the information to anyone because then you have to speak to the host which although very nice I feel like they need a better direction on organization between the access for both bars and restaurant. Other than that the experience was amazing read more

Oh my God, my mouth is watering already looking forward to my 5 day stay in Calle Ocho. We heve been there 2 times in the last 4 years and it is always a good time listening to the musicians on stage. The food is fantastic and the drinks are outstanding. Hopefully we can get the same table for 2 right in front of the stage. read more

Tagged along with my friends because they said it was a top bar in the world. I was pretty excited because I looove a good cocktail! I can only judge their drinks which, unfortunately, I thought were mid at best. I tried their award winning drink Buenavista and Mulata. The Mulata tasted super watered down and I honestly could not taste how the Buenavista was award winning. The live music was pretty cool and I wish we could have tried the food but we came from a dinner so we just came for drinks. read more

Lovely authentic Cuban restaurant with delicious food and fun live music. Hostess sat us in the back of the restaurant which we polite declined and requested to sit closer to the stage, which was possible because they weren't that busy. We ordered their tasting menu which included appetizer, entree and dessert. It was delicious and well timed. It's worth going to at least once. read more

Cafe La Trova - Arroz con pollo - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Miami, Florida

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Cafe La Trova is ranked #21 for the worlds best bars of 2022. That's the reason I decided to check it out on a Friday night, no reservations. We waited like 5-10 minutes to sit at the back bar. Front bar is more for drinking and standing, back bar is for eating and sitting. The whole restaurant/ bar is nicely decorated and popping off for an early Friday night. Live music, packed bars, and people enjoying their dinner. Personally, I wasn't hungry so I skipped on the food and tried the mezcal and tequila drinks on the menu - both were surprisingly really delicious (I'm a picky drinker). My friends all ordered food and the portions were huge and they left full and happy. Honestly they even talked about how good the food was the morning after! I think this is the perfect place to go out with friends, your parents or even somewhere to take your date. Definitely feels like you're in Miami, if not Cuba! read more

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

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Amazing eating and music experience! We had the empeñadas that were extremely delicious. The band was incredible and we felt we were relaxing in Havana. read more

Touristy but great and classic. Best cocktails ever! Solid Cuban food , small menu but done well. Live music was great.

We had a wonderful experience last night at La Trova. Everything from the food, the service and the music was perfect. We ordered the beet salad, tuna carpaccio, cod buñuelos, fried fish and for dessert a banana tres leches along with a bottle of alvariño. The wine bottles are all very reasonably priced. The food came out hot and didn't take long even though the restaurant was packed but we never felt rushed to get out. Our waiter was attentive but not annoyingly so. The music was excellent. Very talented musicians. The music can be heard in any area of the restaurant but not so loud you can't talk to others in the party. Highly recommend La Trova. read more

This place is great but it's very pricey for what you get. The food is good, but not the best Cuban food I've had and considering they charge a large premium I can't go over 4 stars. The music is fantastic and the whole atmosphere is great. I came for a birthday party and we had a great time but considering what we had to eat I thought it was very expensive so I had to deduct a star. Yelp stays $$ but I would say it's closer to $$$ or $$$$. Service was great, drinks were pricey and on the sweet side. I ended up with the old fashioned after trying a couple of other drinks and finding them very sweet. I had the ropa vieja and honestly it wasn't my favorite. Some of the other dishes other peoples in our group had were significantly better. Overall a good time but $$$$ so be prepared for that. Maybe happy hour and appetizers spot. read more

Wow, Great spot and great food. My wife can't stop talking about it. Go and have fun Sam read more