Spending time in Little Havana? Get to know this Miami neighborhood by browsing its most popular local businesses, from a Cuban ice cream parlor to a Mexican taqueria.
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the top places to visit in Little Havana, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of neighborhood businesses. Read on for the results.
1. Azucar Ice Cream Company
Topping the list is Azucar Ice Cream Company, a spot to score housemade Cuban ice cream and sorbet. Located at 1503 SW Eighth St., it's the highest rated business in the neighborhood, boasting 4.5 stars out of 723 reviews on Yelp.
The ice cream shop offers unique Cuban flavors like flan, passion fruit and mamey. Other flavors include Platano Maduro (sweet plantain), Mantecado (Cuban vanilla), El Mani Loco ("crazy" peanut) and Guarapiña (sugarcane and pineapple). (See the full list of flavors here.)
Yelper Yana K., who reviewed it on Aug. 21, wrote, "One of my favorite places in Miami! Not only the best ice cream, but the atmosphere is amazing! Be bold with your flavor selections; definitely get the Abuela Maria, but also experiment with their crazy flavor —that's part of the fun!"
2. Doce Provisions
Next up is a gastropub that serves Cuban-American fusion food. Called Doce Provisions, it's situated at 541 SW 12th Ave. and has proven to be a local favorite with 4.5 stars out of 462 reviews on Yelp.
On the menu, you'll see dishes like the Short Rib Burger (queso frito, truffle aioli, pickles, tomato and frisée), the Little Bird Fried Chicken (sweet plantain waffle, pickled peppers, redland guava and Sriracha honey) and the El Churrasco (mojo skirt steak, boniato purée and warm truffle bacon ponzu).
Yelper Brandon A. said, "Some of the most flavorful dishes I've had in a while. Their creative Cuban twists on American cuisine is perfect. I would highly recommend the lechon asado buns, the Short Rib Burger and the Little Bird Fried Chicken. The meats were cooked to perfection and every plate was jumping with flavor."
3. Taqueria Viva México
Mexican spot Taqueria Viva México is another top choice. Yelpers give the business, located at 502 SW 12th Ave., 4.5 stars out of 388 reviews.
It offers Michoacan-style tacos such as the Maciza (pork leg, onion, cilantro, lime and spicy sauce), the Cuerito (pork skin, onion, cilantro, lime and spicy sauce) and the Buche (pork stomach, onion, cilantro, lime and spicy sauce).
Yelp reviewer Jenn S. wrote, "I love this taco joint! The tacos are authentic, affordable and delicious. They serve the tacos with a side tray of hot sauces, onions, cilantro and lime. There is only outdoor seating, so come on a nice day, and the only parking available is street parking."
4. Lung Yai Thai Tapas
Check out Lung Yai Thai Tapas, which has earned four stars out of 901 reviews on Yelp. You can find the Thai restaurant at 1731 SW Eighth St.
You'll find menu options like the Jungle Curry Fried Rice (long hot chili, string beans, snow peas, Thai basil and jungle curry sauce), the Pad See Ew with beef (either vermicelli or flat rice noodles served with Chinese broccoli, egg and yellow bean soy sauce) and the Tom Yum soup with lime juice, mushrooms, chili paste and Thai herbs.
Hanisha L., who visited on July 25, wrote, "Hands down one of my favorite Thai restaurants in Miami! Probably the most authentic Thai food I've had outside of Thailand. Usually have to wait to be seated when we go, but you can order some Thai beer to make the wait more bearable!"
5. Union Beer Store
Finally, there's Union Beer Store, a local favorite with five stars out of 85 reviews. Stop by 1547 SW Eighth St. to hit up the beer bar the next time you're in the neighborhood.
Billing itself as a "friendly neighborhood taproom, beer market and growler bar offering good eats and better drinks," on its website, Union Beer Store offers a curated tap list. Current drafts include the Blondes Make Me Hoppy (a blonde ale by Civil Society Brewing), Odin's Revenge Belgian Red (a Belgian pale ale by Bangin' Banjo Brewing) and the Plasma Gun (an American IPA by Edmund's Oast Brewing Company).
Yelper Jack C. said, "Excellent beer selection and great tacos to munch on! Don't forget to see what beers are in the fridge. I was surprised at the vast choices to choose from."
