Whether you call it café Cubano, Cuban espresso, cafecito, Cuban spot, Cuban pull, or just plain Cuban coffee, one thing’s for certain—it’s a delicious part of life in Miami. Even if you’re brand new to the area and have never heard of it, it won’t take you long to understand why so many people love this espresso shot sweetened with demerara sugar.

It also won’t take you long to try its many variations, such as the cortadito, which is an espresso shot topped off with steamed milk, or the cafe con leche, which is an espresso without sugar served alongside a cup of hot or steamed milk. What may take some time, however, is finding the right place to get your Cuban coffee fix.

Here are some options:

Islas Canarias – Tamiami

Photo courtesy of Islas Canarias

Other neighborhood: Kendall

The only thing better than the Cuban coffee at this restaurant, nestled between Tamiami and Kendall, is that you can get a croqueta—or a croquette with ham, chicken, or fish—to go along with it. Customers come back again and again for the cafecito and croqueta combo at this family restaurant established in 1977 by Raul and Amelia Garcia.

Versailles Restaurant – Little Havana

Photo courtesy of Versailles Restaurant

The Versailles Restaurant in Little Havana is a big draw for tourists, so you might face crowds at peak times but lingering for a while has its advantages. Namely, it’ll put you within earshot of the discussions about Cuba common among the locals. You’ll also enjoy la ventanita, which is the Spanish word to describe a walk-up window where you can order breakfast on the go.

Las Olas Café – South Beach

Photo courtesy of Las Olas Café

South Beach has many choices when it comes to café Cubano, but Las Olas Café is a favorite spot. Regulars love how strong the coffee is here, and how well it pairs with the empanadas, Cuban sandwiches, and other fare. Though it’s hardly fast food, it’s served quickly. Make sure you bring cash since debit and credit cards are not accepted. 

La Carreta - Hialeah

Photo courtesy of La Carreta

Other neighborhoods: Little Havana and Kendall

With locations sprinkled throughout the city—including in Little Havana, Hialeah, and Kendall—La Carreta is a great choice for traditional Cuban cuisine and a cup of Cuban coffee. Visitors say it doesn’t matter which location you visit because the quality is consistent at this family-owned establishment. Fun fact: La Carreta means “the oxcart” in English. These type of vehicles were used in Cuba to transport sugar cane across plantations.

Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop – Edgewater

Photo courtesy of Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop

Though this Edgewater favorite gets busy during the weekday mornings with the Midtown and Wynwood work crowd, fans of Enriqueta’s say the coffee never disappoints. You can get service both inside this small cafeteria-style restaurant and also at a walk-up window. You can pair your coffee with morning staples such as tostadas (buttered Cuban toast) and empanadas or lunch fare like media noches (ham, pork, and cheese) and pan con lechon (roast pork with onion). 

Latin Café 2000 - Le Jeune

Photo courtesy of Latin Café 2000

Other neighborhoods: Hialeah and Edgewater

Latin Café 2000 has three locations—Le Jeune Road near the airport, Hialeah, and Biscayne Boulevard in Edgewater—so you’re never far away from great Cuban coffee, whether you’re having breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This franchise is a newer entry for Latin-American food, having opened in 1998, but don’t let that dissuade you. The menu is chock full of Cuban dishes savored throughout the city. You can also order from the 2 for 20 menu, which includes an appetizer and two entrees for $20.

Manolo & Rene Cafeteria—Downtown

Photo courtesy of Manolo & Rene Cafeteria

Located right in the middle of Downtown, this restaurant is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Though it was forced to close last year after Hurricane Irma wreaked its havoc on the neighborhood, it has since reopened in a new location at 281 NE 1st St. to the delight of its regular customers.

Tinta y Café – Coral Gables

Photo courtesy of Tinta y Café

Although the bohemian atmosphere inside this coffeehouse in  Coral Gables is worth a trip inside, you may also chose to order your coffee from its walk-up window. If you have some time to spare, then you can sit on one of the mismatched couches inside this establishment and enjoy its mellow vibe along with your coffee.