BALL & CHAIN
Live music bar · Little Havana
1513 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
![BALL & CHAIN by Ball & Chain [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62593432/Banana_Daiquiri.0.0.jpeg "BALL & CHAIN by Ball & Chain [Official Photo]")
Highlights
Live music, dancing, and classic mojitos in historic venue
Live music, dancing, and classic mojitos in historic venue
"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
"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
"This historic spot, which has 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 also experiencing live music." - Allison Ramirez
"The folks need to be OK with big crowds and loud noises for this one. But if they are, then they might like Ball & Chain. The classic Calle Ocho bar is still one of the best places to salsa in Little Havana. Inside, there’s confused tourists and confetti. Out back, there’s a pineapple-shaped stage for live music. And there’s occasionally a line to get in too. But there’s also a lot of dancing everywhere you look. They even host free salsa classes occasionally, in case one of your parents has a New Year’s resolution that involves learning to salsa." - ryan pfeffer, mariana trabanino
"Located in Miami’s famous Calle Ocho, this legendary music venue first opened in 1935 and hosted greats like Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker back in the day. Reopened in 2021, diners can enjoy live music, salsa dancing, Latin-inspired fare, and cocktails like the cafecito bourbon, banana daiquiri, and mojito. Be sure to stay for the midnight conga line." - Alona Martinez
