La Bodeguita del Medio is a characterful bar and restaurant and a popular tourist attraction located in the Old Havana district. Opened in 1942, it grew to become a favored haunt of artists, bohemians, musicians, journalists and writers. La Bodeguita del Media has welcomed a host of internationally famous personalities. Come here to walk in the footsteps of Argentine novelist Julio Cortázar, Chilean poet Pablo Neruda and legendary singer Nat King Cole, among others.
The walls of this intimate bar-restaurant are adorned with autographs, inscriptions and photographs of its distinguished punters. Spot those of the actor Brigitte Bardot, singer Harry Belafonte and Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez. Local celebrities, such as Fidel Castro and poet Nicolás Guillén, have also left their mark. Look for an inscription credited to Ernest Hemingway, which reads My mojito in La Bodeguita, My daiquiri in El Floridita.
Sit at the bar or one of the tables and immerse yourself in the infectious ambiance. Order a trademark mojito, a cocktail that mixes white rum, sugar, mint, lime juice and sparkling water. The bar lays claim to being the inventor of this cocktail, although its roots are thought to date back to the 16th century.
The food menu consists of Cuban and Creole fare. Dine on dishes that use traditional ingredients such as black beans, cassava, prawns and roast pork. Listen to the Afro-Cuban, jazz and salsa bands, which entertain the crowds throughout the day.
La Bodeguita del Medio is located in Old Havana. It’s a short walk from Cathedral Square, home to the 18th-century Havana Cathedral and an artisan’s market. A 10-minute stroll to the west is Floridita, another historic bar worth visiting. Established in 1817, it is recognized as being Ernest Hemingway’s preferred location to drink daiquiris.
The bar and restaurant is open daily. Bear in mind that, due its popularity, prices tend to be higher here than at other city drinking and dining options.
