Don’t let the occasional big-chain coffee store idiot you – Miami runs on Cuban coffee.
This sturdy caffeinated concoction created from Cuban espresso and sugar not solely helps locals energy by a noon droop, nevertheless it bridges social obstacles and supplies a lubricant for idle workplace chatter or heated political debates. The drink, also referred to as cafecito, is so deeply entrenched in the native tradition that the mayor of the Metropolis of Miami proclaimed 3:05pm Miami’s official cafecito break time.
The primary rule of cafecito is: somewhat goes a great distance. The thimble-sized stack of cups that include a colada — a four-ounce styrofoam cup of Cuban coffee — is the strongly steered serving dimension and promotes sharing. The second rule is: discover a ventanita. These walk-up, to-go home windows serve up flaky Cuban pastries alongside the steaming cups of rocket gasoline quick and furiously.
In the event you’re able to get a style of this caffeinated marvel, try considered one of our seven favourite spots for Cuban coffee in Miami. Hey, it’s 3:05pm someplace.
1. La Ventanita at Versailles
Versailles has been ground-zero for cafecito tradition for over 50 years, serving locals, celebrities, politicians – and even the occasional US presidential candidate – from its location in Little Havana. The truth is, Versailles’ founder Felipe Valls Sr has been credited as the primary particular person to develop the ventanita. The restaurant has even spun off a neighboring coffee bar and bakery, the place the cafecito completely straddles the sugar-to-espresso ratio. For a twist in your cafecito, strive the cortadito — Cuban coffee that’s been lower with steamed milk — to go together with your pastries. And at Versailles, subbing your milk for the evaporated model isn’t simply acceptable; it’s extremely advisable.
get there: Head east on SW eighth St/Calle Ocho till you attain 35th Ave.
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2. La Carreta
You’ll be able to’t go mistaken with the cafecito at any of La Carreta’s a number of Miami places, however the Hen Rd storefront has arguably the best ventanita of all of them. Buzzing with power and the satisfying hiss of the espresso machine releasing steam, this full of life ventanita is the place town gathers when an area sports activities workforce wins a championship. The highly effective doses of Cuban coffee – together with the sticky candy guava pastries – will maintain the celebration going all night time.
get there: Take the Dolphin Expressway/836 West to the Palmetto Expressway/826 South. From there, exit on SW 40th St and take that west for about 1 mile.
3. La Colada Gourmand
Serving up a few of the most ingenious cafecitos and coladas in town, La Colada Gourmand in Little Havana is the place you go if you graduate to next-level iterations on the basic system. Not solely does the gourmand operation roast its personal beans, however you’ll be able to elevate your cafecito with condensed milk, Nutella or a shot of liquor. Earlier than you go, take a second to peruse baggage of their house-blend beans and the assortment of Cuban coffee equipment for a real 3:05pm memento.
get there: Get on I-95 S and take the NW seventh Ave exit. From there, proceed on NW seventh Ave for roughly 1.5 miles.
4. Tinta y Café
Whereas Tinta y Café may seem like a comfy native coffee store that’s perfected the most recent latte artwork, it’s really a Cuban cafe with all the bohemian creature comforts of an indie roaster. Right here, your cortadito comes with the aforementioned latte artwork – as does your café con leche. Order a tostada (a big, buttery slice of pressed Cuban bread) to dunk ceremoniously into the café con leche. It’s the native customized, and sure, it is best to undoubtedly drink the creamy stays.
get there: Head west on Dolphin Expressway/836 to NW 14th St. Take the NW 37th Ave exit to Salamanca Ave in Coral Gables.
5. Islas Canarias
If you end up out in the western components of Miami-Dade county, put Islas Canarias in your radar for a few of the best croquetas and cafecito in city. There are two places in shut proximity to one another – the restaurant and the cafe – and each are pretty no-frills operations. On the restaurant, sidle as much as the ventanita and place your order for a cafecito and croqueta shortly and concisely. The workers is usually busy however very environment friendly — they’ll respect your preparedness.
get there: Take the Dolphin Expressway/836 West to SW 24 St/Coral Manner. Head west on SW 24 St/Coral Manner till you attain 136 Ave.
6. Suite Habana Cafe
The Cuban-owned Suite Habana Cafe in Wynwood was designed to really feel like considered one of Cuba’s paladares (small, family-run eating places – normally run out of their dwelling). The comfy environs – with Cuban posters on the partitions, white brick partitions, cushioned seats, and eclectic lighting – lend themselves to a day sipping on a cafecito or café con leche created from the home mix of Colombian and Brazilian beans designed particularly for Cuban espresso. Add in a croissant or pastry from the choice and also you’ve obtained a Miami energy combo.
get there: Get on I-95 N and take it to NE 36th St. Take exit 2B from I-195 E after which navigate Biscayne Blvd and NE 27 St to North Miami Ave.
7. Bebito’s Cafe
Over in South Seashore, getting your Cuban coffee repair means heading to Bebito’s. Named for the proprietor’s Cuban grandfather, this cafe doles out basic Cuban cortaditos and café con leche utilizing a private-label signature mix of Central and South American beans which can be regionally roasted. Marbled inexperienced partitions, neon indicators, and taffy-colored cubicles lend to the retro tropical really feel – the best Miami Seashore spot to get pleasure from a cafecito with a guava-and-cheese pastry earlier than a day on the water.
get there: Take I-95 N to the MacArthur Causeway. Head east and exit on FL-907 N/Alton Rd.
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