Bars : Cuba : Havana : Floridita
About Floridita
When you step into the Floridita bar, at the corner of Obispo and Monserrate in the heart of Old Havana, you'll pass between a couple of burgundy-curtained alcoves decked out like little shrines. The one on the right holds a painting of Constante Ribalaigua, the legendary barman who presided over the place from 1904 or so, when he was 16, until his death in 1952. The one on the left holds a faded, gold-framed article from the December 1959 issue of Esquire, naming the Floridita one of the "World's Seven Greatest Bars." At first glance, the Floridita seems to be pretty much the same bar we celebrated all those years ago, same layout, same general color scheme, same bronze statuette frolicking behind the bar, even the same upholstered iron barstools.
Then the gaggle of T-shirted Canadians over by the corner parts and you see the other statue. Bronze, too, but life-size. Hemingway. Right in the corner, sitting on his favorite stool. And you know: Time does not stand still. This Floridita is not Hemingway's Floridita. It's a tourist trap. Order a daiquiri — what the hell; besides, it says THE CRADLE OF THE DAIQUIRI in big brass letters right there on the backbar — and that impression will be confirmed when the red-jacketed bartender elegantly pours a bunch of stuff into a blender, whirs it around, and decants it into a rather large cocktail glass. Now, in Constante's day, you think to yourself, this place was famous for the uncompromising quality of its drinks, universally regarded as the finest in Cuba and perhaps in the world. This, though...
You could leave after your token drink, like most of the other tourists do. Or you could ask for a daiquiri that is shaken, not frozen, and notice the other people who are sticking around. Many of them are Cuban — drinking at a bar that costs them the equivalent of $150 a drink while it costs you about $6. (Cuba has one currency for locals and another for tourists.) Sip your drink, made simply, quickly, and with some of the best rum on the planet.
Floridita Reviews By Lucy R
Yes it's touristy, yes it's probably overpriced for what it is - but we loved it in there. We had food there on our first night and we soon realized when we ventured out the next day how expensive it was for Havana, but in our ignorant state we really enjoyed it!
The daiquiris and mojitos were the best we had in Cuba and live music was always of a really high standard. Would definitely recommend if you're around Obispo area!
Contact Floridita
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Address obispo 557 esq a monserrate habana vieja, Havana, Cuba | Phone (537)8671300
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Sources : Floridita Photo | Floridita Information | Floridita Review
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