☕ Cortaditos & Culture: Miami’s Most Historic Cafés

Miami may be famous for its beaches, Art Deco architecture, and nightlife—but its soul lives in the cafés. From the cafecito-fuelled mornings of Little Havana to old-school diners on South Beach, Miami’s cafés reflect the city’s cultural layers, Latin heritage, and love for strong coffee.

Here are six iconic and historic Miami cafés where coffee meets history, and every sip tells a story.

☕ Versailles Restaurant & Bakery (Little Havana)

Established: 1971 Known For: Cuban coffee, pastelitos, politics, and tradition

The heart of Cuban Miami beats at the ventanita of Versailles. This walk-up café window is a daily ritual for locals—cafecito in hand, guava pastry on the side, political debate in full swing. More than a café, it’s a cultural landmark that has served the community for over 50 years.

☕ Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop (Edgewater/Wynwood)

Established: 1960s Known For: Authentic Cuban sandwiches and coffee

No-frills and fiercely local, Enriqueta’s feels frozen in time. Its classic Cuban diner setup and beloved coffee keep generations coming back—even as the neighbourhood around it evolves. It’s an anchor of old Miami tucked between Midtown’s rise and Wynwood’s murals.

☕ David’s Café Cafecito (Miami Beach)

Established: 1977 Known For: Late-night cafecitos and old-school Miami Beach

Originally opened on Española Way, David’s has become a Miami Beach institution. Its newest version carries on the legacy: strong espresso, Cuban comfort food, and a place where artists, night owls, and early risers all feel welcome.

☕ Panther Coffee (Wynwood)

Established: 2010 (Building from 1920s) Known For: Specialty roasting, industrial vibe, historic roots

A leader of Miami’s third-wave coffee movement, Panther blends artisan craft with a Wynwood edge. Set in a repurposed 1920s building, it represents Miami’s evolution—where tradition meets creative reinvention.

☕ Puerto Sagua (South Beach)

Established: 1968 Known For: Classic Cuban diner energy and fast, no-fuss service

Tucked just off Ocean Drive, Puerto Sagua has been serving Cuban staples and caffeine since the ‘60s. It’s a local favourite for hearty breakfasts, bustling booths, and reliable cortaditos.

☕ La Carreta (Calle Ocho – Flagship Location)

Established: 1976 Known For: Classic Cuban café culture and heritage interior

Step inside La Carreta’s Calle Ocho flagship and you’re instantly in another era—complete with wood panels, clattering cups, and a ventanita buzzing with conversation. The coladas are strong, and the atmosphere is rich with Cuban pride.

From historic ventanitas to Art Deco café counters, LoCafey maps out the cafés that define Miami’s character. Because here, coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about culture.