The 10 square blocks that comprise today s Little Havana also are the political nerve center for Miami s passionately political Cuban population. It is a vibrant section of town that tantalizes the visitor with an all-out assault on the senses. Nothing is subtle here and the sights, sounds and smells of the neighborhood are all designed to jolt the visitor, from the heavy aroma of caf cubano, which packs the wallop of caffeine-laced jet fuel, to the whirl of colors in the stores along Calle Ocho, the smell of cigar smoke and emphatic conversations among the abuelos playing checkers against the background of murals at Maximo Gomez Park. When you visit, don t miss out on the opportunity to sample Cuban food. If you re not quite as hungry, just sidle up to one of the open-air lunch counters and order a medianoche, sandwich cubano or some empanadas.
Cuban food is outstanding.