Best Coffee Shops in Miami for Cuban Coffee Lovers
Miami is known for its beautiful beaches, lively culture, and, of course, amazing Cuban coffee. In the Magic City, coffee isn’t just a drink—it’s a way of life. Cuban coffee, with its bold flavor and sweet touches, is a taste of Miami’s rich cultural heritage. If you’re visiting or living in Miami and want to experience the best Cuban coffee, we’ve got you covered. This blog highlights the top coffee shops in Miami that every Cuban coffee lover needs to check out.
What is Cuban Coffee?
Before we dive into the best coffee spots, let’s talk about Cuban coffee. Cuban coffee, also called “cafecito,” is strong, sweet, and made with love. It’s brewed with finely ground dark roast coffee and sweetened with sugar, which is whipped to create a creamy foam called “espumita.”
The three main types of Cuban coffee are:
– Cafecito (Cuban espresso): A small shot of strong, sweet coffee.
– Cortadito: A cafecito with a little steamed milk mixed in.
– Café con leche: A larger coffee served with equal parts milk and coffee, perfect for breakfast.
Best Coffee Shops in Miami for Cuban Coffee Lovers
Miami is full of coffee shops, but some serve Cuban coffee so good, it feels like a warm hug from Abuela. Here are the top places to sip on delicious cafecitos:
1. Versailles Restaurant
Versailles isn’t just a coffee shop—it’s an institution. Known as the “world’s most famous Cuban restaurant,” Versailles serves incredible Cuban coffee at its ventanita (a walk-up coffee window). Whether you’re craving a cafecito, cortadito, or café con leche, the coffee here is authentic and always perfect. Pair your coffee with a pastelito (a Cuban pastry) for the full experience. As a bonus, you’ll get to soak up Miami’s Cuban culture while sipping your drink.
Location: 3555 SW 8th Street, Miami
Don’t Miss: Cortadito and guava pastelitos
2. La Carreta
Located right down the street from Versailles, La Carreta is another Miami staple for Cuban coffee lovers. The ventanita here is always buzzing with activity, and locals swear by their cafecitos. La Carreta’s coffee is perfectly balanced—bold, sweet, and satisfying. Stop by for a quick caffeine boost or relax inside the restaurant with a café con leche.
Location: 3632 SW 8th Street, Miami
Don’t Miss: Café con leche paired with Cuban toast
3. Panther Coffee
While Panther Coffee is best known for its specialty coffee roasts, they’ve embraced Miami’s Cuban coffee culture. At their Wynwood location, you can order a cortadito sweetened just the way you like it. The vibe at Panther Coffee is modern and trendy, making it a great spot to enjoy Cuban coffee while exploring Wynwood’s street art.
Location: Multiple locations, including Wynwood (2390 NW 2nd Ave)
Don’t Miss: Cortadito with a touch of milk foam
4. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina
Located in Little Havana, Old’s Havana is a charming spot to experience traditional Cuban coffee. The café feels like stepping back in time into old Cuba, with vintage decor and a cozy atmosphere. Their cafecito is strong and flavorful, and the staff is always friendly. After sipping your coffee, take a stroll along Calle Ocho to fully enjoy Miami’s Cuban spirit.
Location: 1442 SW 8th Street, Miami
Don’t Miss: Classic cortadito and a quick photo in Little Havana
5. Cafe La Trova
Cafe La Trova blends authentic Cuban coffee with a lively, upbeat vibe. Created by renowned Cuban chef Michelle Bernstein, this spot is the perfect mix of delicious coffee and great music. Whether you’re ordering a traditional cafecito or getting fancy with an espresso martini, the coffee is high-quality and full of flavor.
Location: 971 SW 8th Street, Miami
Don’t Miss: Cafecito and the vibrant live music
6. Tinta y Café
Tinta y Café is a hidden gem that serves Cuban coffee in a cozy, artsy environment. Their cortaditos are rich and creamy, and their café con leche is a crowd favorite. The café also serves delicious Cuban sandwiches, making it the perfect stop for coffee and lunch.
Location: 1315 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables
Don’t Miss: Café con leche with the Elena Ruz sandwich
7. Sanguich de Miami
Sanguich de Miami is a modern take on classic Cuban favorites. Their Cuban coffee is strong and expertly brewed, perfect for pairing with one of their fresh Cuban sandwiches. The décor is sleek and stylish, making it a great spot for both locals and tourists.
Location: 2057 SW 8th Street, Miami
Don’t Miss: Cortadito and an authentic Cuban sandwich
Tips for Enjoying Cuban Coffee in Miami
- Try it at a ventanita: Many Cuban coffee spots have walk-up windows where locals gather for a quick cafecito and chat.
- Pair it with Cuban snacks: Cuban pastries like pastelitos or croquetas are the perfect complement to a bold cafecito.
- Keep it sweet: Cuban coffee is traditionally sweet, so don’t shy away from the sugar!
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Cuban coffee lover, Miami is a dream come true. From iconic restaurants like Versailles to trendy spots like Panther Coffee, the city’s coffee scene is vibrant and full of flavor. No matter where you go, these shops serve delicious Cuban coffee that warms your soul and connects you to Miami’s Cuban heritage. So grab a cafecito, sit back, and enjoy the magic of Miami—one sip at a time!
Now, what are you waiting for? Miami is calling, and it’s time to explore the city, its culture, and its incredible Cuban coffee scene. Which coffee shop will you visit first? Let us know in the comments!
