This secret speakeasy in Miami’s Little Havana has reopened. We have details
We’ll drink to that. After more than two years of legal wrangling with the city, Los Altos is back in action in Little Havana.
The popular speakeasy above Taquerias El Mexicano, which reopened last month, definitely went through its share of buzzkills.
Founded in 2019 by Zack Bush, Ben Bush, Darius Green and Bill Fuller of Mad Room Hospitality of Ball & Chain, Los Altos shuttered in August 2021 after its certificate of use was revoked for a building code violation.
Mad Room Hospitality
Calle Ocho’s hidden speakeasy,
Los Altos, where you must pass through a bodega (shown below) to enter.
sued, claiming city commissioner Joe Carollo targeted Taquerias El
Mexicano’s owners, who backed his political opponent in 2017. Carrollo eventually lost the lawsuit, and was ordered to pay $63.5 million.
“After years of litigation, which is still ongoing, the city finally did what’s correct and finalized our building permit, which allowed us to open,” said Bush.
These days, patrons can expect the same old Prohibition Era-style fun. To enter, you must first get past the “discreet” bouncer outside, then climb a clandestine stairway to a bodega-meets-candy shop, which leads you to the actual door to the bar itself.
The rustic, 3,000square-foot, dimly lit lounge sets the mood with plush banquettes, repurposed church doors, vintage hardwood floors, sugar-skull decor and shrines filled with mystical knickknacks.
As for the cocktails, you’ll be set by just ordering anything off the mezcaland tequila-rich menu. One (spicy) crowd pleaser we hear is the Oaxaca al Pastor, made with reposado tequila, Ancho Verde chile liqueur, honey, lime and cilantro. Put out the fire with a nice plate of guacamole or quesadilla made by the eatery down below.
The speakeasy will be open only Friday and Saturday nights, with the occasional pop-up Taco Tuesday.
LOS ALTOS SPEAKEASY
Where: 521 SW Eighth St., Miami; on top of Taquerias El Mexicano.
Hours: 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
More information: www.losaltosmiami.com, 305-456-5905
Madeleine Marr: madeleinemarr