What To Expect

The tour begins around the famous Domino Park, at El Cristo Restaurant.

Cubans love their dominoes, and that tradition made its way to America with the Cuban migration. Catch locals in one of their favorite gathering spots, Domino Park (Máximo Gómez Park) playing their beloved game. At this famous landmark on Little Havana’s main artery, Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana, you’ll meet your entertaining and energetic guide who will give you an introduction to Miami’s and Little Havana’s epic history, before observing some of our Cuban-American neighbors socializing over some serious game play.

Catch a glimpse of Ernest Hemingway’s Cuba at Sala’o.

We’ll sample some excellent Cuban cuisine at Sala’o, one of Little Havana’s finest restaurants, inspired by author Ernest Hemingway, who spent many years living in Cuba, and wrote two of his most famous books there, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Old Man and the Sea.” Imagine yourself floating on a boat in the calm, blue Caribbean with Hemingway and a fishing rod, but you won’t have to catch the big one for a tasty treat on our tour. Let Sala’o surprise your eager palate with its unique Cuban flavors. Those on our VIP beverage plan will enjoy a Cuban-favorite daiquiri, a special variety of which was named after Hemingway, himself.

Honor famous Cuban-Americans on the Walk of Fame.

“Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz, Miami Sound Machine’s Gloria Estefan, home run hitter Sammy Sosa and many more Cuban-American greats have graced the streets of Miami and Little Havana and billboards around the world. These talents made their names, and entered the hearts of Cuban and non-Cuban Americans alike. We’ll stop at some of their stars on bustling Calle Ocho, and honor these fine examples of Cuban-Americans who rose to the top of their games, and showed the world what the Cuban spirit is all about.

Get a taste of old Havana at Old’s Havana.

Bask in the vintage decor at Old’s Havana, and listen to classic Cuban tunes as the afternoon takes you back to the glory of Havana in its finest, pre-revolutionary days. Sample authentic Cuban cuisine with traditional flavors, while those on the VIP beverage plan experience why Old’s Havana is known as “La Casa del Mojito” (“The Home of the Mojito”), one of Cuba’s most famous and refreshing cocktails featuring sugar cane and mint leaves. When the weather is inviting, you could hardly find a more satisfying spot than Old’s Havana’s cozy terrace, although Old’s Havana always has the vibes, rain or shine.

Catch the Little Havana roosters – real and imagined.

Of the many landmarks along Little Havana’s colorful Calle Ocho, one cannot help but notice the giant rooster statues sculpted and popularized by local artist, Pedro Damian. Damian has sadly passed, but remains immortalized in the gaze of these magnificent roosters that adorn many corners of this vibrant neighborhood. At El Pub, we will sit beside two of these famous sculptures, as we sample traditional Cuban fare – perhaps Tostones Rellenos or flaky empanadas. Don’t be surprised if you catch side-eye from an actual, live rooster! Cubans love their roosters, and they run wild in the streets of Little Havana. Cock-a-doodle-doooo!

Get a firsthand glimpse of Cuba’s most treasured art – the art of cigar-making.

Much like the art of winemaking in places like Burgundy, France or Napa Valley, California, cigar-making is a subtle art. The temperate zone, the amount of rain, the composition of the soil – so many factors affect the quality of the tobacco, and the final cigar. Due to trade regulations, Cuban tobacco and Cuban cigars may not be imported to the US, but Little Havana artisans have found ways to honor the Cuban tradition as closely as possible, sourcing tobacco from Cuban seed, and cultivating it in places with conditions as close to those in Cuba as they can get, like Nicaragua and Honduras. Watch the best, local cigar-rollers make magic, as they roll cigars, in the traditional Cuban style, right before your eyes. We will also sample a shot of traditional Cuban coffee or “café cubano” at our cigar stop. You will leave refreshed!

Enjoy the vibes and flavors at one of Miami’s most historic haunts.

Prior to the Cuban migration, historic Ball & Chain hosted the likes of Chet Baker, Count Basie, Billie Holiday and other musical greats. The Rat Pack and Jackie Gleason were regulars at this vibey Miami original, which was reinvented with a Cuban flair for the 21st Century. Chow down on an authentic Cuban sandwich, which few know is a Florida creation, largely modeled after the medianoche or “midnight sandwich” invented in Havana. Enjoy the beats of live, Latin music from exciting, local acts. VIP beverage package participants will sip on one of Ball & Chains fabulous cocktails, and we’ll all let a beautiful, Little Havana day sink in.

They don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Opening in December 1926 in pre-Little Havana, Miami, the Tower Theater was the finest state-of-the-art movie theater in the South. It opened at a very interesting time, in the year that Miami experienced a historic housing market crash and the devastating “Big Blow” hurricane. It served as a sanctuary for locals to forget their troubles, as Miami entered a stagnant period of growth that would not correct until after the Great Depression and World War II.

End with a sweet, juicy taste of Cuba.

Locals come to humble Los Piñarenos Fruteria to satisfy their sweet tooth the healthy way – fruit! We’ll end our tour with a sip of traditional, Cuban juice of sugar cane, guava or mamey, depending on what is in season at the time of our visit. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a special impact. We hope you leave with a sweet taste in your heart, as well as on your tongue.

The walking food tour will conclude with some suggestions for the rest of your visit and other great places to eat in the Miami area.

Guests who are over 21 can add-on the VIP Mojito upgrade for only $9.99, which includes one Mojito from one of Little Havana’s finest restaurants. Or upgrade to our Premium VIP package which includes 3 drink pairings along the route; a mojito, a world famous daiquiri, and a premium Cuban lemonade.