Is it worth visiting Little Havana?

[Matt Meltzer]

Awww. That makes me sad.

[Carlos Miller]

You don't go expecting to see South Beach.

And if when there is no festival going on, it is just a regular neighborhood. But even when there is no festival, you can still find decent meals for a decent price, and not just Cuban anymore because they have everything from Mexican to Colombian to Peruvian to Guatemalan restaurants.

And you can find good musical vibes at places like Hoy Como Ayer and Kimbarakumbara.

[Maria de los Angeles]

There is a FREE tour with historian Dr. Paul George this weekend. Meet at 7 PM in front of the Tower Theater. Taking this tour makes all the difference in one's perception of Little Havana.

[Doug]

There's good Vietnamese in Little Havana - Hy Vong!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Interesting, Doug ... I actually wouldn't consider Hy Vong to be in Little Havana proper, though it is an awesome restaurant on Calle Ocho!

[coach]

Wow, how did I miss this thread until now? Definitely go to Little Havana. Even during the day, most of the stores and galleries should be open. Eat at Pizza a la Pala and get the Mixed Grill. Stop by one of the cigar bars. There is usually live music at one of the clubs or lounges down there in the evening.

If you can make it on Viernes Culturales, which is now, definitely do so. Depending on the season and what they have available, the often set up outdoor stages for larger acts. All the galleries are open and there are street vendors set up in the field next to the McDonalds. Grab a $5 mojito at one of the sidewalk bars and just stroll around and have fun.

[Matt Meltzer]

Coach, when is this going on? I'm on Calla Ocho every single day and have yet to see any of this.

[Maria de los Angeles]

The Viernes Culturales festival was hopping this weekend. After the tour, I thoroughly enjoyed sipping on that $5 mojito, walking around and visiting the art galleries and cigar shops. I even danced a bolero with a gentleman friend in the plaza! There was music everywhere and a really fun vibes on the streets, including the classic street performer who dances with a mannequin. Cuba Ocho was open, serving drinks and had some live music. There was even a tango milonga (dance) going on upstairs in the studio above Padilla Cigars.

There was one cigar bar (only one that serves drinks) with live music. There are also two lounges with musical acts (but in Spanish though) -- Alfaro's and Kimbaracumbara. All these were open.

I think this is one of the best ways to experience Little Havana, period. But you have to be here on the last Friday of the month.

[Matt Meltzer]

Is that when it is? The last Friday of every month?

Because that was easily one of the coolest things I've ever done in Miami. It was like being in another country, and I only had to go six blocks from my apartment. And you know, I'm never a huge fan of Latin stuff, so for me to go on about what a great event this was, I think speaks to how universal it is.

Seriously, maybe we should do a site outing for the July Viernes.

[Maria de los Angeles]

That's correct, Matt! The last Friday of every month. I'm so glad you stopped by and that you enjoyed it. It was also very cool to see forum member Zekedad there as well.

I'd be totally into a July outing.

[Jess]

Matt actually did enjoy it, he came back and said we all have to go. So the next one is Friday July 30th?

[Matt Meltzer]

Wait, who was Zekedad? I don't really remember much of anyone on the tour except that random local dude who joined up halfway not even knowing what it was.

[Carlos Miller]

Yeah, I had a blast. It was great seeing Matt get into it like he did. I haven't seen him that excited since the Winter Music Conference.

[zekedad]

Matt, I'm sorry that I missed you. The Friday outing in Little Havana is definitely worth it. Went on the tour & really enjoyed it (thanks Maria for recommending it), went to a movie at the Tower Theatre (though sort of funny to hear Latin music playing during all the quiet moments of a bleak German film), had a coffee/cigar at the cigar factory/lounge, found the Empanada Lady, ate dinner at Exquisito & just soaked up the flavor from the competing bands. It really enhanced my appreciation for Little Havana.

[Jess]

Yeah, I had a blast. It was great seeing Matt get into it like he did. I haven't seen him that excited since the Winter Music Conference.

Haha, surely he wasn't that excited?!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Wait, who was Zekedad? I don't really remember much of anyone on the tour except that random local dude who joined up halfway not even knowing what it was.

Did I not introduce you to Zekedad? I thought I did. My apologies!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Yeah, I had a blast. It was great seeing Matt get into it like he did. I haven't seen him that excited since the Winter Music Conference.

Wait a minute ... you weren't there!

[Maria de los Angeles]

Matt actually did enjoy it, he came back and said we all have to go. So the next one is Friday July 30th?

Yes, Jess. Last Friday of the month!

[Matt Meltzer]

Thanks, Zekedad. But which one were you?

[Maria de los Angeles]

My article about the travel show tour was republished at Tiki Tiki Blog, with an addendum of Five Things To Do in Little Havana: Doing Little Havana a Lo Cubano