Ball & Chain has once again placed Miami among the top dining and entertainment destinations in the United States after Esquire magazine included the historic Little Havana establishment on its list of the nation’s best bars. The recognition also makes the bar the only Florida representative on the list published this summer.
Located on the iconic Calle Ocho, Ball & Chain opened its doors in 1935 and has since maintained a close relationship with Cuban music, cocktails, and Miami nightlife. This combination of history and tradition was one of the aspects highlighted by the publication.
Ball & Chain stands among America’s best bars
The magazine noted that Ball & Chain offers an experience that goes beyond cocktails. Its pineapple-shaped outdoor stage, live music performances, and renowned mojitos are part of an appeal that attracts both residents and tourists visiting Little Havana.
Photo: Ball & Chain
Photo: Ball & Chain
The establishment maintains its own unique identity within Miami’s bar scene, allowing it to remain a landmark for those seeking to experience one of the most representative spaces of Cuban culture in South Florida.
Esquire recognizes a Little Havana icon in Miami
Currently, Ball & Chain belongs to Bill Fuller, Zack Bush, and Ben Bush, owners of Mad Room Hospitality, the group that also manages the historic Mai Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale.
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Esquire’s list includes bars from cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Nashville, Seattle, Washington, D.C., and New York. However, Ball & Chain was the only Florida bar to make the ranking.
This recognition strengthens Little Havana’s tourist appeal and confirms that Ball & Chain continues to be one of Miami’s most emblematic bars for those who want to enjoy live music, classic cocktails, and an essential part of the city’s cultural history.
