Even though it has its roots in New York City thanks to the Cubans and Puerto Ricans living here, salsa in Miami is serious business for everyone.  While New York salsa breaks on the 2nd beat, Miami salsa breaks on the first beat.  Whatever beat you break to, here’s a look at the best spots in Miami to learn salsa,  where to go once you’ve perfected the hip movements, or just to enjoy the music that beats to Miami’s heart.

Mi Salsa Dance Studios

The instructors have a combined 50 years of experience and are teaching Casino Style salsa dance. Here too, individuals as well as those with partners are welcome to attend. That’s because classes are taught in a circle known as “La Rueda,” where participants rotate partners. Director Carlos Zambrano and the instructors can also be found at the annual Miami Salsa Congress.  Mi Salsa has a location at 2079 W 76 St., Hialeah, FL 33016 where classes are Monday through Thursdays 8-10 p.m. and Saturdays 2-4 p.m. Classes are $10 per class.

Mojitos Calle Ocho Miami

There’s no shortage of live music and entertainment at this long-standing restaurant. Periodically on Wednesday there are live Cuban entertainers.  If you’re there on a Thursday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday night, be sure to wear your dancing shoes. At 10:00 p.m. Mojitos turns into a Cuban Cabaret with guests showing off their best salsa moves. Even if you’re not a dancer it’s fun to watch.  Mojitos http://www.mojitos.com is located at 8000 SW 8 St., Miami, FL 33144.

More Salsa in Miami

Ball & Chain

In a city, like Miami, known for its Latin heat one must always be ready to dance. If salsa lessons are your thing, look no further than Ball & Chain. Located in the heart of Little Havana, this long-loved local hotspot offers live music, DJ sets and free salsa lessons every Thursday evening, starting at 9 PM to Midnight. Beginners are welcome and no partners needed. and free bachata classes Tuesday evenings at 9 p.m. https://ballandchainmiami.com/ is located at 1513 SW 8 St., Miami, FL 33135

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Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co.has launched Salsa Sundays that will continue on the second Sunday of every month. This monthly salsa party has free admission and  features live music by Salsaton Trio from 3-6pm. Team the music up with an a la carte brunch menu from 12-5 pm. Items include Mama Julia’s Empanadas made with ground beef, boiled egg, chickpeas and served with a side of salsa criolla & chipotle aioli, Southern Breakfast Sandwich made with slow cooked brisket, over easy eggs, bacon jam, truffle aioli and a Jalapeno Corn Bread soaked in agave with a side of fig marmalade. Brunch  also includes a new drink menu curated by creative beverage director and bartender Naren Young. From 4-8pm Sweet Liberty offers the happiest of happy hours which includes $0.95 East Coast oysters, $1.95 West Coast oysters, $9 select cocktails, $5 select beers, and $7 house wines.

Reservations are recommended. Bar seating is first come first serve. For reservations visit: mysweetliberty.com/#reservations or call( 305) 763-8217. Sweet Liberty Drinks and Supply Co. is located at 237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Café La Trova

James Beard award-winning Chef Michelle Bernstein’s food and cocktails by award-winning bartender Julio Cabrera and his Cantineros, make the perfect backdrop for a night of salsa dancing. The kitschy atmosphere and smoking hot salsa band that performs nightly are all a true recipe for a fun night. “La Trova Style Music” happens Monday – Wednesday from 7 pm to 11 pm;  Thursday, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. to midnight and Sunday 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Café La Trova https://www.cafelatrova.com is located at 971 SW 8 St., Miami, FL 33130.

Want to know more about Cafe La Trova? Check out my review.

Mentirosa Thursdays at LIV

The blueprint for all things partying in Miami – LIV’s Mentirosa Thursdays kick starts the weekend with some of the hottest Latin artists in the game and DJ Dimelo Flow. At this South Beach staple the standards are as high as the heels worn and we’re sure you’ll never run into a “pata sucia” there. Mentirosa at the LIV Nightclub at the Fontainebleau, 4441 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140.  Tel:  (305) 674-4680.

Friday Rumba on the River at American Social

Grab your friends and head to Fort Lauderdale (the Las Olas area) for Rumba on the River at American Social, starting at 10 p.m. every Friday night for an evening of iconic Latin hits, refreshing cocktails and unforgettable memories. with a live DJ playing all your favorite songs  you’ll be dancing ‘til the sun comes up.  721 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 33301. T.954-764-7005

Here’s another addition to places to dance salsa

Time Out Market’s Roof Terrace is the place for salsa lovers every Thursday night this fall.  Instructor Marlene Veras will lead you through the steps to beats by percussionist Ronnie Roc for a solid foundation before you break into a full on salsa party with tunes from DJ Ray Suave.https://www.timeout.com/newyork/dance/salsa-thursdays-at-time-out-market-new-york

Interested in more places with live music? Check this out:

Miami Restaurants with Live Music