Bodeguita del Medio, Havana

La Bodeguita del Medio is a historic bar and restaurant renowned less for refined cuisine than for its atmosphere, history, and famous visitors. Prominent guests associated with the bar have included singer Nat King Cole, poet Pablo Neruda, novelist Gabriel García Márquez, poet Gabriela Mistral, composer Agustín Lara, singer Joan Manuel Serrat, poet Nicolás Guillén, the former president of Chile Salvador Allende, and writer Julio Cortázar.

The place began in 1942, when Ángel Martínez bought a small shop and later turned it into a bar and restaurant. La Bodeguita del Medio is often promoted as the birthplace of the mojito, although that claim is disputed. What is certain is that the bar helped make the cocktail one of Havana’s signature drinks.

Inside, the walls became famous for signatures, messages, photographs, and memorabilia left by visitors from around the world. Live Cuban music adds to the lively, intimate atmosphere, making the bar feel as much like a cultural stop as a place for a drink.

The Hemingway connection is part of the legend, but it should be treated with caution. A famous inscription attributed to him reads, “My mojito in La Bodeguita, my daiquiri in El Floridita,” but its authenticity has been questioned, and some Hemingway specialists argue that he was not a regular here. Still, the story remains part of the bar’s appeal.

Today, visitors come for a traditional mojito, Cuban food, music, and the chance to experience one of Old Havana’s best-known gathering places. It is popular with tourists, so be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours.