Ball & Chain

"There are two wonderful truths at Calle Ocho’s Ball & Chain: you will never pay cover to get in and there’s always some type of live music happening. During the day, things are usually more laidback with salsa music on the sidewalk or jazz by the main bar. At night, though, things get pretty high-energy and the acts range from Cuban funk to rumba. The dance floor can be a little intimidating if the only salsa you’re familiar with comes in a jar, but every mojito you drink will help cure that anxiety." - mariana trabanino, ryan pfeffer

"This historic spot that’s served as a stage for acts like Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole has been a staple in Little Havana since 1935. Dance salsa, drink mojitos, and enjoy Cuban sandwich spring rolls all day and night while enjoying live music." - Amber Love Bond

"A resurrected jazz bar from the 30's where legends Billie Holiday and Chet Baker would party all night. The high beam wooden pillars, giant leaf ceiling fans, and patterned tiles give you a nice, classic, Florida vibe as you arrive. Great selections of snacks and cocktails keep you fueled as you dance inside by the central bar and neighboring booths. Stroll through the crowd, Rum and Coke in hand, towards the outside and continue the party by the band shell. Although most people come for the nighttime attractions, the open, daytime setting provides a refreshing vantage point of Calle Ocho. Take in the pedestrian traffic while calmly sipping your "Mojito Criollo" cocktail to the sounds of live Cuban jazz." - Colada Collective

"Ball & Chain is a historic music venue right in the center of Calle Ocho’s busiest strip. Opened in 1935, this place has hosted acts like Billie Holiday and Count Basie. Today, it’s a fun place to have mojitos and maybe light a cigar while watching a band play on the backyard stage, which is adorably shaped like a pineapple. If loud, crowded bars aren’t your thing, avoid Ball & Chain at night. Instead, go during the day when it’s a fine place to day drink and nod along to some live Latin music." - ryan pfeffer

"The mojito here is kept classic at the historic Ball & Chain, a Cuban lounge whose stage has seen its fair share of big names: Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole, and Louie Armstrong, to name a few. Its take on the drink is made with Bacardi rum, lime juice, sugar, and mint sprigs; it’s a must-have." - Amber Love Bond