The Neighborhood

A Local's Guide to Little Havana: Alex Klumpp

A Local's Guide to Little Havana: Alex Klumpp

Alex Klumpp is the Co-Founder of Beyond South Beach, a lifestyle culinary blog she runs with her brother Philipp. The sibling duo was born and raised in Miami, and focuses on highlighting the culinary and cultural scenes in untapped neighborhoods beyond the tourist traps of South Beach. Alex dishes on her favorite spots in her own neighborhood, Little Havana.

For THE BEST CUBAN Coffee: La Colada Gourmet

La Colada Gourmet may look designed for tourists, with cafeteras & other Cuban memorabilia as decor, but this coffee shop is filled with regulars. Just as the shop’s name suggests, La Colada Gourmet serves a fancier Cuban coffee. Think: Tres Leches espresso or the Capablanca (Baileys with Cuban espresso). They’re serving a different take on Cuban coffee and I’m here for it.

1518 SW 8th St

For STUNNING VIEWS: Terras Rooftop bar & restaurant

I’m looking forward to the reopening of Terras at Life House, Little Havana. The menu is inspired by urban street foods, and the cocktails feature fresh herbs and spices straight from their urban rooftop garden. The view of the Miami skyline from the tropically overgrown space adds the finishing touch to the experience.

528 SW 9th Ave, at Life House Little Havana

For aN AUTHENTIC CUBANO: Sanguich de Miami

If you’re looking for a delicious and authentic Cuban sandwich, Sanguich de Miami has you covered. Grab and go from the window or sit down in a fast casual setting. The owners’ happy attitudes are infectious. Pair it with a Cuban coffee or one of their decadent milkshakes.

2057 SW 8th St

For Live Music: Cafe La Trova

An upscale, modern take on Cuban food and cocktails by a James Beard award winning culinary & cocktail duo. The restaurant has two bars and live music almost daily, so it’s a fun spot for dinner and drinks before a night out.

971 SW 8th St

For Happy Hour: Old’s Havana

Old’s Havana is a great happy hour spot with discounted drinks and light, shareable Cuban bites. The restaurant and bar has a lively backyard where you can find tourists and locals alike - including Little Havana’s famous wild roosters.

1442 SW 8th St

For Impressing a Date: Lung Yai Thai Tapas

This small Thai restaurant is a true hidden gem. Expect a wait, grab a glass of wine, it’s worth it. Shareable, authentic plates in an intimate setting make for an ideal date night spot. The restaurant flips tables quickly so you’re asked to order all at once. Don’t think about it too much - you can’t go wrong here.

1731 SW 8th St

For Salsa Dancing: CubaOcho

Locals come together for salsa dancing and drinks at CubaOcho on Wednesday and Sunday nights. It’s a beautiful thing to watch as strangers connect on the dance floor. For those who don’t know how to dance, it’s basically a free lesson! For those who don’t dance, it’s a fun show.

1465 SW 8th St #106

For Your Art FIX: KDR305

KDR305 is a contemporary gallery located in a 101 year old cottage in the heart of Little Havana. The Founder, Katia David Rosenthal, is committed to exhibiting emerging artists from around the world and engaging with local Miami talent. Tip: exhibitions change on a monthly basis, to make an appointment you can DM @kdr305 or email katia@kdr305.com.

1322 SW 11th St, Miami

For a SUNDAY STROLL: Calle Ocho

Stroll down Calle Ocho and explore the murals, various art galleries and stores. Stop by Domino Park and have an Abuela Maria ice cream at Azucar across the street. If you want a relaxing night, catch a foreign or indie flick at the Tower Theater, followed by a beer at Union Beer Store.

SW 8th Street

For Wellness: Ohm Beats

Ohm Beats is an intimate yoga studio with classes for all levels.

452 SW 8th St

See Alex on Instagram at @beyondsouthbeach.

Latest Stories

NantucketDiscover the House Built by a 19th-Century Sea Captain

Two centuries after Captain Robert Calder built his coastal retreat at 10 Cliff Road, Life House Nantucket is still a celebration of the far-flung destinations he visited and the wild island landscape he loved.

Read more
NantucketA Travel Editor’s Guide to Nantucket

To truly explore Nantucket, venture beyond its pristine beaches and admire its sumptuous hydrangeas and overgrown rose gardens. Former Food & Wine travel editor Gina Hamadey shares her favorite spots.

Read more
Lower HighlandsDiscover the House Inspired by Victorian Industrialists

In 1860, Denver was little more than a campsite on the latest edge of the Western frontier. Then Victorian industrialists transformed the mining outpost into a modern metropolis.

Read more
NantucketWhat to Do With 48 Hours in Nantucket

Break out the Breton stripes and break in your topsiders. It doesn’t get more nautical than spending a few days in Nantucket.

Read more
WHERE TO STAY

Life House, Palm Springs

Visit

Life House, Lower Highlands

rooms starting at $149/night

Visit

Life House, Nantucket

rooms starting at $149/night

Visit

Life House, Little Havana

rooms starting at $149/night

Visit