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Ball & Chain
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Ball & Chain

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Ball & Chain
4
624 reviews
#3 of 148 Nightlife in Miami
Bars & Clubs
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11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Thursday
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday
12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Saturday
11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
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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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
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1,634 within 3 miles
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Attractions
392 within 6 miles
Domino Park
318
113 ftParks
Cubaocho Museum and Performing Arts Center
182
150 ftArt Galleries
Maximo Gómez Park
4
165 ftParks
Little Havana Visitors Center
29
276 ftVisitor Centers
La Isla
7
313 ftArt Galleries
Agustin Gainza Arts and Tavern
30
0.1 miArt Galleries
Bay of Pigs Monument
11
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Cuban Memorial Boulevard Park
6
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues
Bay of Pigs Museum
44
0.3 miSpeciality Museums
Bayside Marketplace
13,808
2.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Shopping Malls
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
624 reviews
Excellent
331
Very good
184
Average
49
Poor
26
Terrible
35
SeosamhOC
Dublin, Ireland479 contributions
Shake a Leg at The Ball and Chain on Calle Ocho: A Lively Bar with Pricey Beers
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.
Written April 6, 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.
CotswoldsChris
Broadway, UK246 contributions
Great music venue with good food and good service.
Feb 2023 • Couples
We weren’t expecting such great musicians at 5.30pm on a Monday night but they were really good.

Authentic Cuban musicians got people up and dancing right from the start.

The traditional Cuban food was very tasty and the 2 for 1 happy hour was great too.

The waiting staff were very friendly and helpful too.
Written February 20, 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, CT380 contributions
Salsa, Drinks, and Delicious Food
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.
Written May 16, 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.
JollyChad
Minneapolis, MN58 contributions
Lifes Short, Anywhere Else!
Sep 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 September 19, 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.
Voyage818921
Caledon, Canada62 contributions
NO BUENO!
Oct 2022 • Couples
No BUENO! Not good at all! They have targeted tourists, pricey gouging, outrageous! 4 shrimps in a half pineapple and 1 beer, 1 sangria shouldn’t be $100USD but you burn to learn! The music is so loud you can only point to the menu items, the menu has no pricing! Hopefully this helps so my clients, and other tourists won’t fall victim! The band was good. My mistakes and honest review will help you as I am a Canadian travel agent, writer & blogger. So skip this place, there’s plenty of food venues out here. Sharon Birk
Written October 11, 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.
Iris J
Port Saint Lucie, FL4 contributions
Awesome Experience
Sep 2022 • Family
We were visiting Miami for my 40th birthday and decided to come here for my birthday lunch. The live music was great, although it was quite loud, which made it hard to hear each other and the servers. However, we enjoyed everything about this restaurant! From the time we walked in until we left it was awesome. Our servers were super sweet ladies. The appetizers were amazing! I particularly enjoyed the Cuban spring rolls & my kids raved over the cheese quesadillas. Main courses were delicious and the mojitos were the icing on the cake! Just when I thought our lunch was over, here they come with sparklers, confetti & a very delicious dessert, singing “Happy Birthday” to me! Got me up dancing and all! They really know how to celebrate! It was an amazing experience & we will definitely make this one of our must do on every trip we ever make to Miami!
Written September 18, 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.
iTRAVELwithSTYLE
Nashville, TN58 contributions
Great food and music, rude server
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.
Written January 16, 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, PA2,654 contributions
Groovy place, live music and fantastic Mojitos
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!!!
Written November 13, 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.
chickman4660
Phoenix, AZ15 contributions
Rich History and Great Drinks
Mar 2020
A remarkable job was done in recreating the original atmosphere. Take time to note the leaf ceiling fans on a single pulley and the many articles and pictures of the business' history on the walls. If you are lucky enough to be here when they have live bands at night you are in for a real treat. During the day you can find live music up front where customers can loose their inhibitions and do some salsa dancing. A trunk box full of hand instruments are available if you feel like joining in and adding a bit of your own beat to the music. A Cuban Mojito helps with that! This venue has a great atmosphere, delicious food and drinks and a wealth of history. Make sure you stop by and enjoy for at least a minimum of an hour or two.
Written March 11, 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.
sue pon
San Leandro, CA15 contributions
Hot sounds and good drinks
Nov 2022
fight in the heart of Little Havana with hot drinks and even hotter music on Sunday.

We stopped by after our food walking tour for a drink and the band was playing and the music was pumping. Hard to talk but great for listening to excellent music.

Drink prices were not outrageous, and the service was good
Written December 22, 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.
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Ball & Chain (Miami) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Ball & Chain
Ball & Chain is open:
  • Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Mon - Tue 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Wed - Wed 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
  • Thu - Thu 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
  • Fri - Fri 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM
  • Sat - Sat 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Ball & Chain tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 17 Ball & Chain tours on Tripadvisor

Ball & Chain Information

Excellent Reviews

330

Very Good Reviews

184

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