We visited Ball & Chain in Little Havana with a party of 7 on a Friday evening around 6:30 pm, and we were pleasantly surprised that the wait was very short. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The live music created such a fun and lively atmosphere and really added to the experience.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. Everything we ordered had great flavor, and the overall vibe made for a memorable evening. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's the perfect place to enjoy good food, great music, and the vibrant energy of Little Havana.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We would definitely come back the next time we're in Miami! read more

See all

The food was very disappointing. The only decent dish was the ceviche, but it contained only about three small pieces of fish, with the rest being mostly fruit and four shrimp. My salmon was severely overcooked to the point of being inedible, and the asparagus was just as overcooked. My sister's chicken was also dry, bland, and overcooked. They also don't offer large bottles of water and instead charge $7 for a tiny single-serving glass bottle. Absolutely no. Giving 2 instead of 1 bc the live music was amazing and the waitress was nice but the kitchen is a -5. read more

Ball & Chain - Ceviche: the best dish I had but the tiniest amount of actual ceviche - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

BALL & CHAIN This place has a pulse. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It is genuinely a cool room. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Live music, mojitos, people actually dancing. This is the Miami you came to see.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Honest notes so you go in smart. [[HIGHLIGHT]]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.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Go for the atmosphere and the music, not for a quiet conversation.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Four stars because the place is a legend and the back patio earns it, minus one for the tourist tax and the crowds.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Still, if you are in Little Havana, you go. Simple as that. read more

See all

We went to the Ball and Chain in Miami. It is located in Little Havana in a historic building. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We loved the incredible music and atmosphere of the place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The bartender made us delicious Pina Coladas and served them promptly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The band and musicians were incredible![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend it if you're in Miami! read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]If you're in Little Havana and want a spot that really feels like Miami, this is it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Stopped into Ball & Chain for the vibe and a couple drinks and it delivered.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Tried the Piña Basil Mezcalina and their famous mojito. Both were refreshing, well balanced, and clearly made with quality ingredients. The mojito definitely lives up to the hype. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The space is what makes it stand out. Live music in the main bar and a back patio with another bar and stage that brings great energy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Easy to move around and find your vibe.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] They also serve food until midnight which is perfect if you are hopping around Calle Ocho. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Between the music, drinks, and crowd, you can really feel the culture here.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]One of those spots you experience, not just visit.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

Went there on Saturday ordered drinks and food by the bar, once the band starts playing they make you move they don't let you sit down anywhere! I am actively ordering food and drinks, I had bad digestion after this, I guess we were supposed to grab our plates and eat and drink standing up. Food was also bad. It's disappointing because the bouncers/staff and music is good. read more

Ball & Chain is a Miami classic! I stopped by this evening to have some bites and drinks with my family. We all shared a bunch of plates including the yuca fries, beef empanadas & fried pork. I had a Maracuya punch which was delicious. We were seated in the back area where there was a live DJ and the music and vibe was fantastic! Lots of dancing and celebrating as the tables around us ordered drink services that came with confetti and sparklers. The staff was very helpful and attentive, the servers and food runners were on top of making sure we had everything that we needed and that the dishes were cleared in a timely manner. Overall 10/10 experience! Will definitely be back read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

Fun spot in little Havana for drinks, dancing, and very good Cuban cuisine! Service is a little slow, but honestly that's just everywhere in Miami. The patio outback is a great spot to enjoy a drink and cigar. The standout food item was the vaca frita, but the ropa vieja and Cubano were delicious as well! The plantains were honestly the best I've ever had! read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

Ball & Chain is the kind of place that makes you remember why you go out in the first place. We came to Little Havana for a fun night and ended up staying longer than planned because the energy here is unreal. The music pulls you in, the lighting feels like old Miami with a modern pulse, and the whole room has that "everyone's in on it" vibe. Food was better than it needed to be in the best way. The pressed sandwich was hot, melty, packed with flavor, and the fries disappeared fast. It felt like the kind of comfort food you want when you're posted up at the bar watching the night unfold. Drinks were solid and strong, and the presentation matched the atmosphere. Tropical without being sugary, balanced, and exactly what you want in this neighborhood. What really makes Ball & Chain special is the feeling. It's lively, but not chaotic. Iconic, but not touristy. Perfect for date night, friends in town, or anyone who wants a true Little Havana experience without trying too hard. Tip: Go a little earlier if you want a good spot, stay later if you want the full magic. If you're on the fence, consider this your invitation. Go. read more

See all

A Must-Visit for the Ultimate Little Havana Experience! Nights like this make Miami unforgettable! Stepping into Ball & Chain felt like stepping back in time--rich history, incredible live music, and the best energy on Calle Ocho. It was easily our favourite dinner experience in the city. The service was outstanding; the staff was amazing, constantly ensuring our drinks were topped off and checking in to make sure every dish was perfect. The Lineup: * World Famous Mojito: Refreshing and perfectly balanced. (during Happy Hour, buy one get one free!) * Vaca Frita: Crispy, flavourful, and authentic. * Tropical Ensalada: A perfect fresh pairing for the meal. * Virgin Piña Colada: Creamy, tropical, and delicious! Between the live band and the 100% good vibes, this place is a total showstopper. Don't leave Miami without stopping here! . read more

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]A fun lively place in the heart of Calle Ocho.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Tables are only if you will be ordering food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Drinks and food came out in a timely manner. read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

Decided to stop at this spot since it's a staple in the area and it was lively. They had a great dj, the majority of the tables were taken so we sat at the bar. The bartender made our drinks to perfection, we didn't order any food but the bartender made sure to keep our drinks fresh. I'd come back and get a table as it looked like a great time. We enjoyed the music and some dancing too. 10/10 great place for GNO or date night :) read more

Ball & Chain - Vodka Red Bull - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

We came here for a night cap. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Music was good and drinks were great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was quick too! 4.4 stars. read more

Ball & Chain - Live music - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This bar is the best for amazing Cuban vibes, happy hour deals, and live music![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's highly recommended you make a reservation if you're planning to go on a Friday night, it was packed. The 2 for 1 drink deal is excellent, and the drinks were great! I preferred the Miami spritz that I ordered over the mezcal drink. There was a huge block of ice and the glass they used wasn't right so it didn't blend or mix well. But it was still fine, and thankfully affordable. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere was fantastic.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Met up during the day with some friends when we were in Miami. This place is In the heart of Calle Ocho. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have live music.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service was great, the food and cocktails also. I will definitely come back again. read more

See all

There was a private event on the patio so we sat at the bar. The Staff was friendly and had good recommendations. We had jerk wings and beef empanadas. Both were delicious. They had an awesome live band playing. It was just after happy hour but still lively. It is loud but you can still hold a conversation. read more

See all

I went here twice during my 2-day trip to Miami, and I love it! It's the oldest operating bar in Miami and definitely worth the visit. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Great atmosphere and service, and an amazing mojito[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

Great place for food and drinks and with a live band really brings in the Cuban culture!!! Maria from Venezuela was our amazing server!!!! read more

Ball & Chain - Sandwich Cubano and elote - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

This was the best Miami experience I had on vacation. MAMBO MONDAYS One of the oldest Cuban nightclubs in Miami-opened in 1935. It couldn't get any more authentic located in Little Havana. I was able to get the true Latin dancing experience. It was a place everybody came together for the same purpose.....to enjoy good music and dancing. All ages colors and ethnicities were dancing together and being respectful of everyone's differences! -Cuban sandwiches - delicious -Cuban coffee - delicious -Mojitos-delicious -not a fan of Cuban jazz (6P to 9P) read more

See all

Ball and chain is a Calle ocho staple, and a cool place to take out of town guests for drinks, Cuban food, and good music. The open air bar is large and allows space for dancing during dining hours but also a club like atmosphere after 10pm. For those a bit apprehensive of the Cuban Spanish spoken at every delicious eating establishment in Miami, have no fear. These servers and bartenders are definitely made for the tourist crowd and were incredibly patient and kind serving myself and my gringo husband and making us feel like we belonged there! read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

Stopped in for a drink after a food tour the recommendation from our guide. There was live music in the front of the restaurant and they have a fairly large outdoor area in the back. This area has its own bar and tables. The service, staff, and drinks were great.I didn't have food but the menu had a good selection. read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

Love this place. I've been here numerous times but mostly for dancing. This time we had food and drinks during the day and it did not disappoint. We sat in the courtyard and they had a dj which was great. No complaints whatsoever. read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

What an amazing time we had at ball and chain! Booked the outside Patio with all the things - salsa dancers, band, cigar rolling, fedora making, dominos. It was a blast - staff and service impeccable. Security attentive, effective and kind. Food - was a Cuban buffet and everything was delicious, down to the ice cream from the local spot next door. In the market for a place for an amazing party - this is IT!!! Thank you!! read more

Only had drinks here. The mojito is the absolute best mojito I've ever had. Great location and ambiance and good service read more

See all

Place is iconic and historic but the service and the food truly left us wanting more. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere is very unique however so it is worth checking it out[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

When in Little Havana, you would expect a great Mojito, and y'all... THIS IS THE PLACE. Seriously the best mojito I have ever had in any city! Run to the Rum friends, you will not be disappointed. Also stay for the live music, this is a fun place to place to soak up the Cuban vibes! read more

Ball & Chain - Mojito - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

Ball and Chain is located in Calle Ocho. The restaurant has a historic and nostalgic atmosphere. They have live music such as jazz and salsa everyday . It's a fun place to go out for drinks and to dance salsa. I love that they offer free Salsa and bachata classes. Bar chain offers, delicious Cuban food and tapas. They have ceviche, conch and empanadas. I ordered the steak rice and beans and for drinks, I got a banana daiquiri which was so refreshing made with mint and coffee. Definitely a place to check out while you're at Calle ocho for fun and dancing. read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

Located in the heart of Little Havana with so much history, Ball & Chain offers an intimate, fun setting for date night and friend outings. We didn't have a reservation (highly recommend you make one tho!) for a Sunday evening, but was able to be sat outside on their back patio easily. The back patio was dreamy with lots of large trees and foliage and lounge seating. Because there are no tables, only coffee tables, eating a full meal can be a little difficult, so it may be best to just have apps and drinks out there...but that didn't stop me and my friend who were starving and looking forward to Cuban food here! Our signature dishes came out quick and tasted delicious. Large portions of meat and rice, with perfect plantains and flavorful beans. We also sipped on a guava flavored Pastelito Daquiri and the Mojito! Both delicious. Prices are on the moderately higher end but that was expected. We purposely chose Ball & Chain because they offer a salsa lesson and dancing after 9pm on Sundays! The lesson wasn't very long and was a little hard to follow in the crowd. But the free dancing in the inside space was fun! I will definitely be back for more of that! read more

See all

Ball and chain is iconic. It's one of those places that everyone should go at least once. Parking is a mess. I love calle ocho, but the parking is brutal. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The actual venue brings me back to my childhood hood going to the beach with my grandpa and heading into the only Hispanic restaurant. It looks just like all the pictures of the lounges in Cuba pre revolution.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very family friendly, the staff is very nice and attentive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I tried the pan con lechón, which was good but it was missing something. I also had the mojito, it was very tart. The lime to sugar ratio was way off. Over all this place is nice, but it's not for me. Should people try it? Yeah at least once. read more

Delicious food, [[HIGHLIGHT]]great atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]], [[HIGHLIGHT]]outstanding music[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]! The vibes are high, go check it out and fall in love. read more

See all

A fun spot to visit day or night! Live music to dance and sing to. Friendly staff and good service. We did not eat so not sure about the food but enjoyed a few adult beverages including the famous Mojito and they were delicious! Definitely worth a stop , check out the beautiful patio area in back as well. read more

Ball & Chain - Mojito - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

It's a famous spot to see and hear, get an uninspired rum and coke for $23. Even if the band not playing. (like much of Miami tourist areas, you will find taxes and fees and tips layered $ on top your bill...) Cuba Libre read more

See all

Excelente experiencia en Little Havana, Miami. El servicio fue excepcional desde que llegamos, muy atentos y amables en todo momento. Los tragos estaban deliciosos, bien preparados y con mucho sabor. La comida también estuvo riquísima, fresca y llena de sabor. Definitivamente un lugar que vale la pena visitar si estás por la zona. ¡Lo recomiendo! read more

Ball & Chain - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

Come where if you want some good music, food, and drinks! The vibes are there and the service even better! Food was served well hot and the drinks were good too!! If you don't come around happy hour, it can be a little pricey but it's Miami read more

See all

Hands down, without a doubt one of the best bars to go dancing in all of Miami. I do mean salsa! I Love the bites; drinks are okay too. Music is always good. Great place to go with friends or to meet new people! read more

TLDR: historical place on Calle Ocho, long as you're not going there for cigars. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This place def has history so I'm not disputing that or the music and atmosphere when you're there.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]As long as you're going there for the music and taking in the vibes then this is your place.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Outside of that, not a big selection of cigars and prices aren't that great and getting a drink is somewhat quick on the first one, not so much on getting other ones. read more

Terrible experience from start to finish, as we walked in at 5pm we were told there's no seats for getting food.... There were 9 tables free. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We then get sat in front on the window so we couldn't see any tv for the football.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] (Man at the door and woman who I presuming are "front of house" were horrible at their job, the guy stood and looked angry at everyone and the woman acted like everyone who asked her something was a problem) Food was disgusting, Cuban sandwich wasn't toasted, cheese not melted and the rest wasn't good so just left it. Was told tip is already included..... wasn't until later we realised it's "suggested". "Service charge and suggested tip" at the bottom of the bill was just another reason to never go back. All in all avoid this place. read more

A great place to catch some live music, eat some VERY tasty snacks, and grab a couple of cocktails. We liked it so much that we ended up coming back after a few hours of wandering Calle Ocho. Try the rum Old Fashioned with tobacco bitters--it's a revelation! read more

Ball & Chain - An amazing rum Old Fashioned - Music Venues Near Me - Miami, Florida

See all

This place has so much potential yet falls so short. When walking in they had half the bar closed off (don't know why). Very limited seating around the bar. Not to mention you cannot sit at any table without ordering food service. I'm paying for drinks and can sit down?! The drinks were not very strong and for a Tito's and pineapple and a makers and coke it was $40. Over priced. This was such a disappointment. read more

Such a good night out at ball & chain, came in for dinner/drinks and stayed for dancing. Food was flavorful, drinks were great and the live music made for the perfect night. It was my first time there, will definitely be on my list of fave places to visit in Miami. I didn't get our servers name, it was so loud but she was so sweet and attentive. Bartenders were quick as well. read more

See all