Ball & Chain, a renowned Cuban music venue nestled on Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana, has been spotlighted in Esquire magazine's summer edition as one of the top bars in the United States.
This accolade distinguishes Ball & Chain as the sole Florida establishment on a prestigious list featuring 14 bars from across the nation, ranging from Austin to Washington D.C.
Esquire writer Khuong Phan highlighted several reasons for this selection, including its prime spot on a storied street, its vibrant history, and the lively atmosphere of its live music nights.
"Then there's the lore. Bootleggers, gamblers, mobsters, crooked politicians... oh, and Billie Holiday sang here. Gaze upon the pineapple-shaped band shell outside and savor the rum-laden cocktails inside," Phan noted.
Regarding the drinks, Phan was equally exuberant: "Ball & Chain's mojitos always help loosen up the body. Quite necessary, as the band always gives it their all."
The venue's history dates back to 1935, when it first opened its doors as Ball & Chain Saloon on what is now Calle Ocho.
During the 1940s and 1950s, it emerged as one of the few Miami venues relatively open to Black musicians amid segregation, hosting performances by icons like Billie Holiday.
After closing in the 1950s and remaining dormant for decades, the venue was restored and reopened in 2014 under new management.
The journey has not been without challenges: in October 2020, Miami authorities indefinitely shut down Ball & Chain due to alleged permit violations and loud music, but it reopened in October 2021 following a lawsuit by its owners.
Currently, it is operated by Mad Room Hospitality, a company owned by Bill Fuller, Zack Bush, and Ben Bush, who also manage the iconic Polynesian restaurant Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale.
This recognition from Esquire is not the first for a Cuban bar in the area: in 2022, Café La Trova was named the sixth-best bar in North America by The World's 50 Best Bars list, a distinction it repeated in 2024.
Little Havana, designated a "national treasure" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, thus solidifies its status as a premier destination in the U.S. bar and nightlife scene, with Calle Ocho as its most internationally recognized cultural artery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball & Chain
Why is Ball & Chain significant in Miami's history?
Ball & Chain is significant for its historical role as a venue open to Black musicians during segregation and its vibrant cultural contributions to Miami's Little Havana.
What makes Ball & Chain's cocktails special?
The cocktails at Ball & Chain, particularly the mojitos, are renowned for their quality and the vibrant, lively atmosphere they complement.