Little Havana bucket list: Do these things before it becomes [insert intolerable place]

In Little Havana, there are some things you must do.

Drink a cafecito (anywhere). Stroll past Domino Park and watch the domino players (no, they don’t want you to play — just take your photos and go). Eat a medianoche at Versailles (which isn’t quite in Little Havana, technically, but it’s on Calle Ocho, so close enough).

But there are a few other experiences you need to have if you want to say you’ve really been to Little Havana. All of them are fun and a lot of them involve eating and drinking.

Put these activities on your list. Trust us.

Buy a cigar at Cuban Crafters

If there’s a Disney World for cigar lovers, it’s Cigar Crafters. This expansive cigar house stocks everything from name brand cigars to locally produced stogies that are every bit as good as the big names. Note: people will be smoking in here, so don’t complain.

3604 NW Seventh St.

Café La Trova

For great food like paella croquetas (from Chef Michelle Bernstein) and amazing drinks (from bartender Julio Cabrera), you can’t beat this hot spot, which was named one of the best new restaurants in America by GQ magazine. Pro tip: Beat the weekend crowds by going on a Thursday night and hear a four-piece band playing Cuban classics.

971 SW Eighth St.

Experience Miami’s sweet spot - with guarapo

You can get other juices at Los Pinarenos Fruteria - and you probably should - but for the real Miami experience order sugarcane juice and prepare for the onslaught of sweet.

1334 SW Eighth St.

Take a selfie with a rooster

This is an absolute requirement. We’d skip the kiss, though.

Find a fritanga

We are big fans of Yambo, but honestly, you can find this tasty Nicaraguan comfort food all over Little Havana.

1643 SW First St.

Visit a not-so-secret speakeasy

You can go to the restaurant itself or its taqueria, but Don Diablo speakeasy has a Day of the Dead theme and an eclectic bar menu that features tequila and mezcal. Lyft is your friend.

1618 SW Eighth St.; open 10 p.m.-3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday

Celebrate all things Cuban at Hoy Como Ayer

This nightclub closed its doors for a bit, but it’s open again and delivering the most authentic Cuban sounds around.

2212 SW Eighth St.

Indulge at Azucar Ice Cream Company

It’s ice cream with a Miami flair. Think flavors like caramel flan, cafe con leche, Key lime pie and Willy Cherino (bourbon ice cream with dark cherries).

1503 SW Eighth St.

This story was originally published December 9, 2019 at 6:00 AM.