A Ernest Hemingway Inspired Cuban Eatery is Heading to Calle Ocho

It’s well-known that Ernest Hemingway had a love affair with Cuba, so it is only appropriate that the latest Cuban-style outpost to come to the Magic City was created in his honor. Sala’o Cuban Bar & Pescadería (1642 SW 8th Street), which will debut in Little Havana this April, will boast a seafood-filled menu with old-school, 1940s Havana vibes.

Owned and operated by Eliesteban Mena and Oscar Rodriguez — who are behind Old Havana Cuban Bar and Cocina just a few blocks from Sala’o — the menu is inspired by a small fishing village in Cojimar, Cuba where Hemingway used to keep his boat. They tapped Cuban chef Jorge Mas, who formerly worked in the Cayman Islands, Barceloneta, and NIU Kitchen, to create the dishes using daily Florida catches made with traditional Caribbean and Cuban flavors.

The 2,300-square-foot space will be adorned with crystal chandeliers, marble accents and wooden finishes, seating up to 85 guests with indoor and outdoor seating. As for the bar, it can seat up to 15 people and will serve up classic Cuban cocktails and will feature an elevated stage where live music will be played.

When Sala’o debuts it’ll be open for lunch and dinner Sunday through Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Thursday to Saturday until midnight, with a weekday happy hour from 4 to 8 p.m.