BALL & CHAIN

This place has a pulse. Ball & Chain has been on Calle Ocho since 1935 and you can feel the history the second you walk in: green walls covered in old photos of the greats who played here, a house band setting up right by the front door, and cigars for sale in a lit humidor by the bar. Then you push through to the back and it opens up into this leafy patio with a giant clamshell stage shaped like a pineapple, red couches everywhere, misting fans, palm trees. It is genuinely a cool room. Live music, mojitos, people actually dancing. This is the Miami you came to see. Honest notes so you go in smart. It is world famous, which means it is a tourist stop, which means prices are what you would expect and it fills up fast, especially when there is a game on the big screen or a band playing. Service can lag when it is slammed. Drinks are good but you are paying for the address and the vibe as much as the pour. Go for the atmosphere and the music, not for a quiet conversation. Four stars because the place is a legend and the back patio earns it, minus one for the tourist tax and the crowds. Still, if you are in Little Havana, you go. Simple as that.

Being at this place, listening to music, sipping a mojito, and getting to understand that you are sitting in a 90-year-old pub was absolutely amazing. The ambience was absolutely eclectic, with live music all the while I was sitting there. Everyone was enjoying the salsa, and usually everyone gets up and starts dancing to the beats. The atmosphere is that infectious. I spent about five hours at the place and did not feel bored for even a second. Absolutely loved it. I tried their Jerk Roasted Chicken Wings, and they were fabulous. Also tried their Margaritas and Mojito, and they were good.

My friend and I had heard about the free salsa lesson at Ball & Chain on Wednesdays and decided to finally check it out, and I’m so glad we did. The salsa class ran from 9 to 10 and was such a great experience. The instructor was upbeat, engaging, and had great dance moves, calling out the steps as the dance floor gradually started filling up. After the lesson, people stayed for the live band, which was amazing, playing a mix of popular songs and keeping the energy going all night. There were dancers of all levels, and everyone was incredibly welcoming and friendly, people danced with everybody, which made the whole atmosphere feel fun and inclusive. It was honestly a joy to be there and meet so many interesting characters. The staff were wonderful too, from the bouncer outside to the bartender, everyone was kind and welcoming. We even found out Karol G’s conga player was performing with the band that night, which made the experience even cooler. Between the class and all the dancing afterward, it definitely turned into a workout, but the best kind.

Came here from out of town after reading reviews on this spot in Little Havana. The people were great. The food was great and the entertainment was great. Had a great time with my husband. This was our first stop after flying in.

Right in the heart of Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain is an absolute gem. This place brings together history, energy, and incredible vibes all in one spot. From the moment you walk in, you feel the rhythm of Little Havana—live music, lively crowd, and a setting that just pulls you in. We stopped in for cocktails and appetizers, and everything was on point. The drinks were creative and well-balanced, and the food was perfect for sharing while soaking in the atmosphere. Highly recommend the coconut guava cocktail [shoot, forgot the name rn]it was easily the standout. Refreshing, flavorful, and just unique enough to feel like something special. What really makes this place shine is the entertainment and ambiance. Whether it’s live bands, dancing, or just the buzz of the crowd, there’s always something happening. It’s the kind of place where you go for a quick stop and end up staying way longer than planned. Definitely worth the stop if you’re in Miami!...whether for the drinks, the music, or just the unforgettable vibe.

An unforgettable night at Ball & Chain! We visited with a very special group of doctors, and from the moment we walked in, the energy, music, and atmosphere were simply incredible. This place truly captures the essence of Miami. The food was amazing—classic Cuban dishes, full of flavor and authenticity. Every bite was delicious and felt like a true culinary experience. The drinks were equally impressive; the bar is top-notch, and the cocktails were perfectly crafted. We tried the Ball & Chain mojito… absolutely spectacular! The music made the night even more special. There was live music that created an authentic vibe, plus a DJ who kept the energy high with a great variety of songs. The central patio is a highlight—you can dance, enjoy the fresh air, and just have an incredible time. The service was attentive and friendly, making our group feel welcomed and well taken care of throughout the night. It was the perfect place for us to relax, connect, and enjoy a well-deserved evening after long days of caring for others. Ball & Chain is more than a restaurant—it’s a full experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food, amazing music, and unforgettable moments. We will definitely be back!

Came to this place one Sunday afternoon by chance. Welcomed by the hosts at the door and given our choice of indoor or patio seating. Live music inside and DJ outside. We sat at the patio bar. Friendly and efficient bartender provided drinks and apps. Then we met the general manager. He introduced us to his newly launched cart of high end rums and we had mojitos. It was an experience to learn the history of the dufferent rums, which ranged from 25-45 yrs aged. Mint muddled. Freshly squeezed limes. And an added sugar cane that was cut that day. And paired with a nice cigar made the afternoon.

Had lunch at this place when my husband and I visited Little Havana. I actually planned to eat at the other restaurant but we liked the atmosphere and the live music here. After getting seated, it took about 15-20 minutes until our sever came take the order for the drink. Then another 10-15 minutes until we could order (we had to call someone to let them know we were ready) 45 minutes after we still didn’t get our food and had to ask another waitress to check for our order as we saw other table that arrived after got food. We had to wait another 15 minutes until our food arrived. For the whole time Our server never came to check on us which is very frustrating because we were automatically charged 18% gratuities and 7% service charges for almost no service received. We ordered famous mojito (good), Cuban sandwich (ok) and vaca fritta (ok).