Top 11 Things to do in Little Haiti

Miami is rich in culturally unique and diverse neighborhoods like Little Haiti. From the traditional gingerbread-style houses to the snippets of spoken Creole, Little Haiti deserves to be explored. Especially before our old friend gentrification has its way. Below are our top 11 things to do in Little Haiti.

Chances are you imagine Miami filled with vibrantly colored Art Deco architecture and bikini-clad beach goers on shimmering white beaches. Yeah, Miami has that side—it invented the first effective sunscreen, after all. But this city’s allure is more than just skin deep.

Little Haiti Cultural Center

212-260 NE 59th Terrace

Miami, FL 33137

(305) 960-2969

This community center is the perfect starting point. Most activity happens on Saturdays, where you’re bound to hear live music and see traditional dancing. Still, at any time you can check out vendor stalls and see exhibits from local artists. It’s closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly

Libreri Mapou

5919 NE 2nd Avenue

Miami, FL 33137

(305) 757-9922

Owner Jan Mapou’s bookstore houses nonfiction, poetry, and literature in French, Creole, and English, as well as theater performances and author readings. A must-see for anyone wanting to know more about Little Haiti’s history.

Concrete Beach Brewery

325 NW 24th St.

Miami, FL 33127

(305) 796-2727

Little Haiti has been bitten by the craft beer bug, and Concrete has the cure. Cool off with a crisp Havana Lager or try several of their other brews with a flight. Either way, you take in the sun-kissed scene on the patio.

Sweat Records

5505 NE 2nd Avenue

Miami, FL 33137

Tel. (786) 693-9309

Need a little caffeine to go with your vinyl fix? Get a cup of Panther Coffee—the beans come from a local roaster—and flip through countless records until you find one that makes your heart sing. Make sure to check the “Wall of Idolatry,” which boasts famous musicians that made this their pit stop. Iggy Pop, Prince, Daft Punk, and more musical masters adorn this wall.

Churchill’s

5501 NE 2nd Avenue

Miami, FL 33137

(305) 757-1807

There’s no mistaking this spot for a quaint English pub. This in-your-face punk rock bar has been around for 40 years and blasts local music loud and proud.

Clive’s Café

5890 NW 2nd Avenue

Miami, FL 33127

(305) 757-6512

Live music, poetry readings, and oh yeah, some of the most mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine in town, like jerk chicken and fried conch.

Veni Vidi Vici Social Club

333 NE 59th Terrace

Miami, FL 33137

(786) 556-6622

“Friends you haven’t met yet” is the vibe here. It’s like someone’s really cool apartment where people from Little Haiti come to hang out in a casual, inviting atmosphere.

Miami’s Best Graffiti Tours

400 NW 26 Street

Miami, FL 33127

(305)799-3166

Traveling a couple blocks south to Wynwood is well worth your time. The area is a masterpiece of street murals, and

this artist-owned and operated tour company shows you the best wall art in the area.

Villain Theater

5865 NE 2nd Ave

Miami, FL 33137

(786) 391-2241

Miami may be known for its club scene, but it’ll also be known for its comedy if Villain has anything to say about it. This community-run theater provides the perfect escape from Miami’s music-thumping dance clubs with improv and stand-up acts.

New Yorker Patio Bar

589 NE 65 St

Miami, FL 33138

(305) 759-0357

Another local gem with that cool-as-hell house party feel. Grab a cold drink and work up a sweat dancing to the DJ’s anti-Top 40 playlist in this open-air club.

House of Food Porn

197 NW 62nd St

Miami, FL 33150

(305) 788-0137

The name isn’t the only thing that’s bold at Antonio Blanco’s unique twist on a typical sushi bar. He calls his creations “Shushi” and infuses Cuban flavors into maki roll masterpieces. You’ll need to make a reservation to get in here—but it’s so worth it.So next time you’re debating what to do in Miami, sure, check out the postcard stuff and pack the flip-flops. But when you want to live the good life, make your own postcards and live like a local—even if it’s just for a few days.