Ball & Chain
Ball & Chain
4
11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Monday
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Friday
11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 3:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
About
The Ball & Chain opened in 1935 on the Trail, now known as Calle Ocho. Over the next two decades legendary artists of the day graced our stage, including Billie Holiday, Count Basie, and Chet Baker. The legacy of the Ball & Chain continues in September 2014 as the doors reopened in Little Havana once more.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
644 reviews
Excellent
338
Very good
189
Average
51
Poor
27
Terrible
39
Jordanloraine
New York City, NY15 contributions
Dec 2019
Made it to Ball and Chain on a rainy Thursday night. There was live music and a fun group of people salsa dancing and enjoying themselves! Definitely a fun environment. The food was pretty good too! Drinks were a little sweet for my liking but reasonably priced. I would go back and recommend you check it out if you're in Little Havana.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tammyf
philadelphia57 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
There was great Latin music from 12-6. We only caught a bit of it because we arrived about 5:30 and there are jazz performers from 6-10 on Mondays. Being in Little Havana we were hoping for all Latin, so that’s why I gave it 4 stars. The courtyard in back is beautiful. Will return, but earlier next time.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alberto T
Orange County, CA314 contributions
Mar 2020
Me and my partner were staying in South Beach, but having spent a lot of time in Miami in my younger days, I wanted to make sure my partner experienced Little Havana, and we ended up going to Ball & Chain. We arrived at around 9:30pm and had a few drinks in the front bar; the staff was very friendly. At around 11PM in the back where the concert stage is, a latin band with female lead singer started up and played some salsa, bachata, merengue and reggae tunes, some original, some classics (e.g. Celia Cruz). The only drawback is that there is limited seating which, I presume, has to be served ahead of time, so you have to open to standing up for as long as you want to listen. The crowd seemed a mix of locals and tourists, but all in all, we had a good time.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard P
London, England, United Kingdom28 contributions
Feb 2020
Had a great night there :-) service was good not the fastest but why hurry you want to be there all night. the atmosphere is amazing great music fab salsa dancing too & even a very easy to follow class in basic salsa was demonstrated the night i went. Not cheap for cocktails and prob not the best value for food but its about what I'd expected for themed bar in Miami certainly no worse that London. I can highly recommend you visit even just for drinks, the live music is great and the crowd all dancing salsa was amazing to see Loved It
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JollyChad
Minneapolis, MN82 contributions
Sept 2022
Skip this place! We showed up nto Little Havana "Wife and I" dressed for dancing looking fancy as any of the guests, yet I was wearing sandals! So very rudely no entry gringo! So these gringos who you turned away would have dropped about $400 at your club, which we gladly gave to all the other great spots in Little Havana. The spots who happily greeted us at the door as I pointed to my sandals, and we all laughed! They also had two less dancers on the floor, and being a timbalero myself, would have tipped the band too. In Cuba a few years ago, they wouldn't be uppity like this and turn away happy people. The choices on a weekend night are vast with great bands in Little Havana, move along to one of the friendly bars that will show respect! Unless you digg getting treated like trash.
Written 19 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loz B
6 contributions
Feb 2020
No venue in their right mind would play cuban music in between Jazz Band sets. It is never done! Except at the Ball and Chain. Two distinctly different genres of music which do not mix.
The seating in the rear area is quite uncomfortable. Much of it has no back rests.
Took us a while to get the attention of somebody to serve us a drink, and then even longer to get the same person back to order food.
Even longer to get her attention to settle the bill. We actually caught somebody else to get her.
We did really like the setting in the outdoor area where the band played. There was a good sized area to dance. (If only the music was danceable).
The seating in the rear area is quite uncomfortable. Much of it has no back rests.
Took us a while to get the attention of somebody to serve us a drink, and then even longer to get the same person back to order food.
Even longer to get her attention to settle the bill. We actually caught somebody else to get her.
We did really like the setting in the outdoor area where the band played. There was a good sized area to dance. (If only the music was danceable).
Written 13 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SeosamhOC
Dublin, Ireland469 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Nestled on Calle Ocho, The Ball and Chain is an enchanting bar that exudes a welcoming ambiance, complete with delightful live music. The mellifluous tunes filling the air coupled with the sight of an elderly gentleman shaking his maracas to the beat made for a memorable evening of entertainment. The patrons appeared to revel in the overall charming atmosphere that prevailed throughout the establishment.
While some individuals appeared to relish the food, we opted to quench our thirst with a couple of beers, as we had plans to have lunch elsewhere. However, we noted that the prices of the drinks seemed a bit steep, but then again, this could be the norm in today's economy.
For the cost-conscious individual, it is worth noting that two beers come with a hefty price tag of $9.00 each, with a service charge of 6%, gratuity of 18%, and taxes. Consequently, the total cost of our two beers amounted to $47.69.
Overall, The Ball and Chain offers an inviting atmosphere replete with enjoyable live music, but it may not be the most economical option for those on a tight budget.
While some individuals appeared to relish the food, we opted to quench our thirst with a couple of beers, as we had plans to have lunch elsewhere. However, we noted that the prices of the drinks seemed a bit steep, but then again, this could be the norm in today's economy.
For the cost-conscious individual, it is worth noting that two beers come with a hefty price tag of $9.00 each, with a service charge of 6%, gratuity of 18%, and taxes. Consequently, the total cost of our two beers amounted to $47.69.
Overall, The Ball and Chain offers an inviting atmosphere replete with enjoyable live music, but it may not be the most economical option for those on a tight budget.
Written 6 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andres C
Newington, CT546 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
I visited Ball & Chain about 5 years ago and had to go back with my wife because it left such a good impression the first time. 5 years later and it’s still a great spot to listen to some live music, have a drink, and enjoy some food.
It’s located right in the Little Havana area so you’ll get to experience Calle Ocho as well. They weren’t able to satisfy our requests for a reservation, but we sat at the bar and we’re still able to enjoy ourselves. The band did a great job with their renditions of popular and lesser known salsa songs.
We shared congris fritters, pork fat and chicharrones, and white rice with beans. Everything was absolutely delicious. The drinks were made well!
I highly recommend stopping in. Arrive early for the live band on Friday and stay for the dancing once the DJ starts up.
It’s located right in the Little Havana area so you’ll get to experience Calle Ocho as well. They weren’t able to satisfy our requests for a reservation, but we sat at the bar and we’re still able to enjoy ourselves. The band did a great job with their renditions of popular and lesser known salsa songs.
We shared congris fritters, pork fat and chicharrones, and white rice with beans. Everything was absolutely delicious. The drinks were made well!
I highly recommend stopping in. Arrive early for the live band on Friday and stay for the dancing once the DJ starts up.
Written 16 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BAHuston3
Langhorne, PA3,668 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
We dropped by the Ball & Chain for some drinks, fun and music.
This is a groovy place and decorated in old Havana style.
We sat at the bar and had a good view of the band, street audience and the folks in the bar dancing and playing percussion instruments.
The band was fantastic. They played Latin & Cuban music.
All Party!!!
The drinks were amazing!!! I had 2 mojitos and a Daquiri. My wife had the sangria and Margarita.
Ana Marie and Antoine were our bartenders. Ana Marie made my Mojitos. The best Mojitos that I have had since I was in Havana.
We also had an appetizer; conch fritters. They were delicious and totally different than any others that I’ve ever had. These were made with rice and black beans.
This is must for any visit to Little Havana.
Enjoy!!!
This is a groovy place and decorated in old Havana style.
We sat at the bar and had a good view of the band, street audience and the folks in the bar dancing and playing percussion instruments.
The band was fantastic. They played Latin & Cuban music.
All Party!!!
The drinks were amazing!!! I had 2 mojitos and a Daquiri. My wife had the sangria and Margarita.
Ana Marie and Antoine were our bartenders. Ana Marie made my Mojitos. The best Mojitos that I have had since I was in Havana.
We also had an appetizer; conch fritters. They were delicious and totally different than any others that I’ve ever had. These were made with rice and black beans.
This is must for any visit to Little Havana.
Enjoy!!!
Written 13 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iTRAVELwithSTYLE
Nashville, TN64 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
My friends & I had a wonderful experience here, loved food & great band, until the end ….the waitress was rude!!
She came up while the band was playing and screamed in my ear “my shift is ending, please pay now!” She could have waited one more minute until the band ended and been more pleasant.
Unfortunately, Miami charges an automatic 18% tip, plus we were 5.5% service charge on top of this. I wish I’d the option the leave her nothing for ruining our experience.
I did complain, but the first manager didn’t seem to care. A second manager came over and offered a free drink, but we had already ordered an Uber and said “no.”
This is an historic place that had hard times during the pandemic. I hope they train their servers better to deliver a better overall experience for their visors.
She came up while the band was playing and screamed in my ear “my shift is ending, please pay now!” She could have waited one more minute until the band ended and been more pleasant.
Unfortunately, Miami charges an automatic 18% tip, plus we were 5.5% service charge on top of this. I wish I’d the option the leave her nothing for ruining our experience.
I did complain, but the first manager didn’t seem to care. A second manager came over and offered a free drink, but we had already ordered an Uber and said “no.”
This is an historic place that had hard times during the pandemic. I hope they train their servers better to deliver a better overall experience for their visors.
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it better to go on a Thursday than weekend? Also what’s a good time to get there where there is less wait?
Written 18 May 2021
We will be visiting Miami with our 14 and 16 year old kids. Are older kids allowed in during happy hours with their parents?
Written 29 April 2019
Yes they do allow children.
Written 30 April 2019
Are children aged 11-15yrs allowed in, we’re looking for a place with salsa dancing, but suitable for children. Thanks
Written 26 February 2019
This is not a place for children in the evening. It’s ok during the day; but, there isn’t much room for dancing during the day.
Written 28 February 2019
Do you need reservations for Friday Happy Hour? Is it recommended?
Written 25 January 2019
Reservations are not needed, unless it's for a large party.
Written 25 January 2019
I don't see any pictures of dancing. Is there any space to dance here? Does anyone dance? lol
Written 5 August 2018
Yes around 10 the live band starts outside in the court yard and a di in the bar for dancing inside and out! A lot of dancing!!
Written 6 August 2018
he want to know whether families with kids are allowed
Written 25 July 2018
I was there at night, while a jazz band was performing. I didn't see any very young children there, but there were a few families with kids who looked like they might be teenagers. The best thing to do is to call ahead.
Written 30 July 2018
Joanne P
Doha, Qatar
Is it a suitable place to bring 2 teenagers with us for a late meal, we like a party atmosphere. I just wanted to check if they would be allowed to be there in the evening maybe till about 10pm with us, thanks for any info.
Written 3 May 2018
I believe there is a curfew for underage children and, although it is great for kids earlier on, I wouldn’t say it’s suitable later.
Written 4 May 2018
We are heading to Miami tomorrow and was wondering what is the best night to go for dancing and a good time? Please help as I am trying to plan the week/weekend! Thx
Written 15 March 2018
Ball & Chain had live music all day during our visit. We were impressed and would rate it as good as we experienced in Havana. There was also a number of other venues in close proximity to Ball & Chain that we’re advertising live music. Hope this helps
Written 15 March 2018
Hi is it suitable for family’s to eat at the nighttime?
Written 2 February 2018
If it is early enough I think it would be ok. I would say before 8pm. Later in the evening it gets very loud and people starting getting intoxicated. At night they even have a bouncer a the door.
Written 2 February 2018
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