Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month spans from September 15 through October 15, the official time to honor and celebrate the rich history and culture of Latin-American communities from Mexico to the Caribbean to Central and South America and Spain, as well as their contributions to the United States.

Restaurants across South Florida are offering food and drink specials to mark the celebratory month. Read on for the best spots to visit.

 

Miami Beach Salsa Festival

The City Of Miami Beach invites you September 24th, 2022 to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” and her Salsa Orchestra. Free salsa lessons for all by Ricky Torres from Salsa Central Dance Studios of Miami Beach. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage and Latin Culture in all its forms. Come enjoy Melina, Mofongo de Plena, Puerta de Oro de Colombia, Latin food and much more .. Free for all with RSVP 5pm to 10pm Food & beverage are available for purchase at the show. The Bandshell is an open air covered venue, all programs are rain or shine.

 

Dogfish Head Miami

Coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, Wynwood’s off-centered brewery Dogfish Head Miami is dropping the Mango Salsa Sour on September 17. The third beer from their popular tArt Series — an annual selection of limited-edition sour beers that utilize Florida-grown ingredients and feature labels designed by this year’s selected Hispanic artist, MAMÚT — is infused with Hispanic influences, capturing the essence of tangy salsa through a brew of jalapeños, cilantro onions, lime peel and sea salt. To celebrate the release, Dogfish Head Miami is hosting a packed day of fun festivities including a salsa night, brewery tours and more! A portion of sales will be donated to Women Photographers International Archive (WOPHA), an organization dedicated to showcasing the unique stories of women-identified Cuban photographers. Address: 325 NW 24th St, Miami, FL 33127

 

BODEGA TAQUERIA Y TEQUILA

Founded in South Beach in 2015 by Menin Hospitality’s Keith Menin and Jared Galbut, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is South Florida’s iconic brand offering an array of Mexican street food along with a unique night-life experience serving up award-winning tequila and cocktails. The Mexican-inspired concept features an extensive menu showcasing authentic Mexican favorites along with unconventional and innovative interpretations. Since its inception, Bodega Taqueria y Tequila has been nationally recognized and revered as one of the region’s hottest culinary and night-life destinations. The brand currently has a total of five locations, including South Beach (2015); Fort Lauderdale (2020); Aventura (2021); West Palm Beach (2022); Coconut Grove (2022); as well as a partnership with FTX Arena. Bodega Taqueria y Tequila is currently undergoing an expansion and gearing up to welcome several new outposts this year and in 2023. For more information, please visit https://www.bodegataqueria.com/

 

CAFE LA TROVA

From September 15th through October 15th, Cafe La Trova will celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a special cocktail menu featuring ingredients from local South Florida-based Cuban purveyors, including honey from The Native Guy (based in Homestead); guava marmalade from PG Tropicals (based in Homestead) and fresh limes from Yes Fresh (based in Doral). Three special cocktails created by Master Cantinero Julio Cabrera include the Canchánchara made with Saint Benevolence Rum from Haiti, honey syrup, and lime juice; the Calle Ocho Daiquiri made with Bacardi Superior rum from Cuba/Puerto Rico, Habanero-Guava syrup, and lime juice; and the Mi Tierra Old Fashioned (plus 1 La Trova cigar) made with Flor de Caña 12 from Nicaragua, demerara syrup, and coffee-Tobacco bitters. With every purchase of these limited-time-only cocktails ranging from $14 – $15, a $1 per cocktail will be donated to the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora. Join us as we celebrate our Cuban/Hispanic culture all month long! Address: 971 SW 8th Street, Miami FL 33130

 

Casa Mariano

At the Mediterranean-inspired Casa Mariano, opened September 2021, Executive Chef-Owner Mariano Araya shares his personal style of cuisine with a menu representing an impressive career, drawing inspiration from his most beloved dishes. Casa Mariano is the culmination of Chef Mariano’s life’s work in the culinary arts, with more than 20 years spent in the Miami dining scene. His dedication to both South American and Mediterranean flavors as well as his cooking methods have melded into a distinct style that showcases the bold flavors and freshest ingredients from both areas of the world. The menu at Casa Mariano features Hot and Cold Appetizers, Salads, Pastas, as well as different choices of Entrees, Steaks, and a special selection of Chef Mariano’s suggested house specialties – all made with the highest-quality ingredients sourced from local farms whenever possible. The beverage program at Casa Mariano is spearheaded by General Manager and Sommelier, Victor Tapia, who has developed a creative and exciting list of exceptional wines to pair with Chef Mariano’s dishes. Decorated in rich Mediterranean-inspired hues of blues, whites, tans, and browns, Casa Mariano’s intimate interior reflects an elegant, warm, and inviting environment where diners are transported to a seaside casa. The intentional design is intimate and calming, making Chef Mariano’s casa as comforting as your own. Address: 8200 NW 27 Street, Suite 106 in Doral

 

La Cañita

La Cañita is the latest Caribbean-Latin American concept-driven restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein and partner David Martinez, located in Bayside Marketplace.  With spectacular waterfront views of Miami and live music curated daily, La Cañita is certainly the place to be for big bold flavors, fun specialty cocktails, and the overall quintessential Miami experience!  Address:  Located at Bayside Marketplace at 401 Biscayne Blvd., 2nd flr., Miami, FL 33132

 

 

LA ROMANITA

La Romanita Restaurant & Lounge, the first restaurant by Miami-based Prestige Hospitality Group, launched in August 2022. Adjacent to the 515-acre Amelia Earhart Park, La Romanita is located in the new Amelia District that was founded and developed by Prestige Companies. The district is the city’s newest mixed-use development located in the heart of Hialeah and is poised to be South Florida’s next dining destination. At the helm of this neighborhood eatery is Executive Chef Reinier “Rey” Mendez, who draws from both Cuban and Italian influences when creating his menus. Hailing from Havana, Cuba, Chef Rey began has worked in some of Miami’s most notable concepts including STK Miami, Shula’s Steakhouse, Naked Crab Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, alongside celebrity chef Ralph Pagano, Casa Tua Cucina in Brickell City Centre, and most recently Lure Fish Bar at Loews Miami Beach Hotel. The menu is a selection of Latin-inspired dishes, seafood, garden fresh salads, select cuts of meat, hearty entrees as well Italian focused dishes such as pastas and pizzas. The Pastas are made in house and come with a choice of orecchiette, spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine with sauce options ranging from rich to light and savory. Lasagnas are also made daily with vegetarian and meat options. Perfect for sharing, Chef Rey’s Pizza uses a homemade dough made into a thin, crispy crust with a variety of toppings. The globally sourced boutique wine list includes over 80 different types of wines from regions all over the world. The wine program features everything from grower champagnes, vintages, unique terroirs, and notable wineries to more approachable labels and bottles for any occasion. Address: 7755 W 4th Avenue in Hialeah

 

LEKU

Located within the notable Rubell Museum in the bustling Allapattah neighborhood and recently recognized by the 2022 MICHELIN Guide, LEKU brings the pleasures of eating in Spain’s enchanting Côte Basque to Miami.  Featuring innovative cuisine without losing sight of its Basque roots, Executive Chef Mikel Goikolea of LEKU follows the same principle of adhering to seasonal local ingredients and cooking methods based on tried and true techniques.  In addition to their inventive cuisine, LEKU’s beverage program is in a class of its own featuring innovative libations and sophisticated wine offerings, which recently earned them a winning title for Wine Spectator’s 2022 Award of Excellence.  Address:  1100 NW 23rd Street, Miami, FL 33127

 

Ball & Chain

At Little Havana’s most iconic musical landmark, Ball & Chain, everything is heavily Latin-influenced, from their location, to their music, to their menu items. In fact, Ball & Chain is offering up fabulous specialty cocktails on their newly updated and refreshed menu. With Hispanic Heritage Month approaching on September 15th, here are a few of the venue’s most festive tasteful beverages, infused with the finest Latin liquors, that are a must-have:

  • Pastelito Daiquiri: The Pastelito Daiquiri tastes like home-sweet-home with a kick, made with Bacardi rum, guava puree and garnished with a bite-size version of everyone’s favorite Cuban pastry, the pastelito.

  • Banana Daiquiri: No basic Daiquiris here at Ball & Chain! This creamy banana cocktail is the perfect drink featuring Bacardi rum.

  • Calle Ocho Old Fashioned:  Nothing says “old fashioned’ quite like tobacco infused bitters and Bacardi 8 aged rum. Order this drink for the perfect classic refreshment.

  • The Cañita: Ball & Chain is serving up this beloved cocktail with its house-made honey syrup, sugar cane juice and Bacardi Rum.

  • Guava Sangria: Feeling a little fruity? Try Ball & Chain’s Guava Sangria featuring Havana Club Anejo rum and a hint of pineapple paired with their guava puree.

  • Mojito: You can’t ever go wrong with a tasty and fun classic like the Mojito, made with bacardi rum and fresh mint springs.

  • Piña Basil Margarita: Is it really a celebration without a Marg? Try Ball & Chain’s Piña Basil Margarita with Zignum Mezcal Reposed and fresh basil.