But don't worry, this is where I come in — no body shaming necessary.
As a proud first-generation American of Cuban descent who learned how to whip up proper Cuban cafecito from my abuela and cousins (who judge me every Noche Buena on my technique), I'm on a personal mission to find the best Cuban cafecito in Miami.
A classic Cuban cafecito served in a four-ounce white Styrofoam cup in Miami
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Quick Cuban Coffee History Session — So You Don't Look Like "Un Bobo"
For those unfamiliar with Cuban coffee, here's a crash course. Commonly referred to as cafecito in Miami (also as café Cubano or Cuban espresso), it's a strong, sweet, and concentrated espresso-style coffee that originated in Cuba centuries ago, but the matter in which it is consumed today was refined by Cuban exiles in the U.S. who fled Cuba during the Cuban revolution in the 1960s. It's typically served with a sweet, frothy espumita (foam) on top. The espumita is made by whipping crystallized white sugar with about a teaspoon of the first few spurts of brewed coffee that percolate from the cafetera (an aluminum, stove-top Cuban "Moka" pot) until one's arm is exhausted and a beige, creamy foam appears. Once the espresso is brewed, it's poured directly over the freshly-made espumita and mixed until the coffee is covered in a layer of it. Now, it's ready to be served.The full batch of Cuban coffee (colada) is typically served at Cuban bakeries, coffee shops, and restaurants in a four-ounce, white styrofoam cup, accompanied by smaller, white thimble-sized cups (cafecito) for sharing. Sometimes, the four-ounce cup itself is referred to as a cafecito when it's not being shared, but consuming this in one sitting is not for the faint of heart.
In Miami, in order to tell if the café Cubano you purchased is authentic, it has to hit these marks: 1) It has to come in a white Styrofoam cup accompanied by white thimble-sized cups. 2) It has to have espumita. 3) It has to either give you a little bit of tachycardia or make you feel energized enough to get through the 3 p.m. work slump. (This is why every hospital, medical office full of viejitos, car dealership, bank, and corporate office in Miami suddenly smells like Cuban coffee come 3 p.m.)
If you can't find someone to make it for you, the best spots to order authentic Cuban coffee in Miami are at ventanitas, the sacred walk-up windows that fuel the Magic City, at Cuban bakeries, or at Cuban restaurants. Now that your Cuban coffee knowledge makes you sound like a local, here are the 15 best places to get it, listed in alphabetical order.
Cortadito Coffee House
Locations Across Miamicortaditocoffeehouse.com Cortadito Coffee House, which has locations on Lincoln Road, Washington Avenue, in Coral Gables, and in Brickell, may be one of the most modern spots on the list, but they truly serve great cafecitos and cortaditos (cafecitos with milk) using rich, Cuban-style espresso that's sweetened and balanced to perfection. Their cozy open-air ventanita-style cafés evoke authentic Cuban coffee culture and earn praise for both outstanding coffee and a welcoming atmosphere. Many customers highlight the friendly, attentive staff, especially in Brickell, where it's described as "legit" by Cuban-coffee enthusiasts.
El Rey De Las Fritas
1821 SW Eighth St., Miami305-541-9996
reydelasfritas.comEl Rey de las Fritas may be known for its legendary Cuban burgers, but its Cuban coffee holds its own as one of Miami's best. Whether you're fueling up with a colada or washing down a frita with a bold café con leche, the coffee here delivers rich, robust flavor with every sip. It's the kind of no-nonsense cafecito that perfectly complements a greasy, glorious frita, and keeps you coming back for both.
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop makes some of the most authentic Cuban coffee in Miami
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop photo
Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
186 NE 29th St., Miami305-573-4681
instagram.com/enriquetas_sandwich_shopEnriqueta's Sandwich Shop, located on the border of Midtown and Wynwood, truly makes some of the best cafecitos and cortaditos in Miami from its charming walk-up ventanita, capturing the soul of Cuban coffee culture in Miami. Here, you'll find cafe Cubano that's delicious and brewed strong and sweet — served in a classic Styrofoam cup if you're ordering it to-go, of course.
Islas Canarias Restaurant
Locations in West Miami and Dadeland Mallislascanariasrestaurant.comHead to this beloved Cuban joint out west the next time you're in need of some Cuban cafecito. Opened in 1977 by Raul and Amelia Garcia, Islas Canarias has earned its spot as one of the best Cuban coffee shops and bakeries for their legendary croquetas, made-to-order beef or chicken empanadas, medianoche sandwiches, pan con bistec, and of course, their authentic Cuban coffee.
La Carreta makes one of the best and most authentic Cuban coffees, also known as Cuban cafecito or cafe Cubano, in Miami
La Carreta photo
La Carreta
Locations Across Miamilacarreta.comIt truly wouldn't be a Cuban coffee list without La Carreta, arguably Miami's go-to cafe Cubano spot for cortaditos, cafecitos, coladas, and even Cuban-style lattes. If you've ever had a side of flaky, toasted, buttery Cuban bread pressed on a plancha dipped into a cortadito...you may never have a cup of Joe and a doughnut ever again. We warned you.
La Colada Gourmet
Locations in Little Havana/Wynwoodlacoladagourmet.com
La Colada Gourmet is celebrated for its bold, Cuban‑style roasts. As "The House of Cuban Coffee," they master traditional favorites like cortaditos, and locals rave about its authentic taste. With a 4.7‑star average from over 2,200 reviews on Google, guests also love La Colada's atmosphere, friendly service, and the experience of watching the coffee beans roasted fresh on site.
Mary's Coin Laundry is a hidden gem with some of the best Cuban food in town.
Mary's Coin Laundry (Mary's Cafe) photo
Mary's Cafe & Coin Laundry
2542 SW 27th Ave., Miami305-443-6672
instagram.com/maryscafemiamiIf you're an avid New Times reader, you probably know that Mary's Cafe & Coin Laundry is a true hidden gem in Miami. Mary's Café & Coin Laundry isn't just a Cuban coffee spot; it's a 24/7 Miami institution where cafecito meets chaos and comfort. Whether you're grabbing a medianoche at 3 a.m. or sipping a cortadito between laundry loads, this spot delivers a soul-soothing caffeine fix in the most Miami way possible. With its iconic blue awning and ever-present buzz of life along Southwest 27th, Mary's is a beloved pit stop for locals craving a café Cubano.
In 1984, the first Milam’s Market opened at the corner of Red Road and Bird Road in Miami, which is now the Red Bird Shopping Center.
Milam's Markets photo
Milam's Market
Locations Across Miamimilamsmarkets.comOk, this one is for true locals only. A kind of "if you know, you know" kinda hidden gem for Cuban cafecito. I'm almost disappointed to be revealing this secret, but here it goes. Go up to the customer support area of your local Milam's where they serve Cuban coffee that tastes almost like abuela made it. Get ready for the fastest grocery trip of your life — with a side of heart palpitations.
Pinecrest Bakery
Locations Across Miamipinecrestbakery.comLocals love to hate on Pinecrest Bakery for being too mainstream, but oye — they make some mean Cuban coffee when you need it. With locations across Miami and the fact that it's open 24/7, this is the kinda Cuban coffee spot that is a Miami staple for a reason. (Shoutout to my local location that's actually in Pinecrest! Love the ladies at the counter there.)
Playa Café
1515 Washington Ave., Miami Beach305-532-4440Playa Cafe in Miami Beach is a no-frills gem known for brewing some of the strongest, smoothest Cuban coffee in the city. Open early and late, it keeps locals and hospitality workers fueled with rich cafecitos and café con leche that pack just the right punch. Its tiny counter space and walk-up window may be humble, but the bold flavor and loyal following speak volumes.
Puerto Sagua
700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-673-1115
puertosaguarestaurant.comSince 1962, Puerto Sagua has held its ground in South Beach, dishing out no-frills, authentic Cuban comfort food and delicious Cuban coffee. From 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week, locals and tourists alike line up for masitas de puerco with arroz moros y yuca, ropa vieja with maduros, and café Cubano that tastes just like abuela's best.
Sergio's Restaurant
Locations Across Miamisergios.comSergio's has been brewing authentic Cuban coffee in Miami for nearly 50 years. With 13 locations across the city, this beloved institution pairs its soulful cafecitos with nostalgic Cuban breakfasts and hearty meals that honor Cuban tradition. While Michelin spots come and go, Sergio's remains the heart of Miami — one perfectly poured cortadito at a time.
Tinta y Café
Locations in Coral Gables/Miami Shores305-285-0101
tintaycafe.coFounded in 2005 by two Cuban-born, Miami-raised siblings, Miami Cuban café meets bohemian coffeehouse at Tinta y Café. The spot is popular for its delicious coffee, tostadas, pastelitos, croqueta preparada sandwiches, and other great
sandwiches. Their "Noche Entera," a take on the medianoche, is a classic, but little do people know they make some great cafe Cubano. Whether in the form of a cortadito, cafecito, or a colada, it's a must at Tinta. P.S. - Don't forget to order flan.
Vicky Bakery
Locations Across Miamivickybakery.comVicky Bakery is one of the fastest-growing franchises in Florida, and 'til this day, the Cuban bakery remains a family affair. Since 1972, Vicky Bakery has made a perfectly balanced, rich cafecito with just the right amount of espumita. As for the most popular location, people love their Hialeah spot for cafecito the most. (Don't forget to pair your cafecito with one of their pastelitos.)
Versailles: where every Cuban in Miami loves to go.
Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Ventanita at Versailles Restaurant
3555 SW Eighth St., Miami305-444-0240
versaillesrestaurant.comGrabbing a cafecito from the ventanita at Versailles is a rite of passage in Miami. Since 1971, this legendary spot has been a gathering place for locals and tourists craving a taste of Havana and a side of gossip. Whether you're sipping a cortadito or café con leche, standing at that ventanita means you're part of a timeless Miami tradition.
