Business

Los Altos Reopens Speakeasy on Calle Ocho in Little Havana

Renowned Calle Ocho speakeasy Los Altos, located above Taquerias El Mexicano, has reopened its doors in Little Havana after being shut down for two and half years. This vibrant nightlife spot was initiated in 2019 by Zack Bush, Ben Bush, Darius Green, and Bill Fuller, collectively known as Mad Room Hospitality. They made a name by reviving the famous Calle Ocho event ‘Ball & Chain,’ and Los Altos soon became a well-regarded anonymous locale in Little Havana. The mezcal and tequila-centric bar offers a unique experience in Miami, as its discrete doormen guide guests to a hidden entrance via a staircase. Guests find themselves in a vivid, working bodega filled with Mexican candies and chili-flavored snacks, leading to the speakeasy entrance. The entrance invites guests into a moody, Mexican-themed, rustic lounge decorated with repurposed church doors, vintage hardwood floors, stained-glass windows, and sugar skulls.

This 3,000-square-foot speakeasy still features plush banquettes, sugar-skull decor, and repurposed church doors. Unfortunately, Taquerias El Mexicano and Los Altos had to shut down in 2021 due to a revoked building use certificate caused by a building code violation. Their reopening follows a lawsuit filed by Mad Room Hospitality against the City of Miami, alleging collusion, unwarranted raids, and harassment by city commissioner Joe Carollo. The case continues, but fortunately, Mad Room Hospitality recently received a permit from the city, enabling both venues to reopen.
Moreover, to celebrate its grand opening on March 5th, the speakeasy is throwing a Taco Tuesday launch party featuring Día de Los Muertos-themed dancers, appetizers, premium bottle service, and music by DJ Z. On March 8th, Los Altos will kick off its unique ‘Secret Fridays’ party, starting at 11 p.m. with a DJ Flo set, concluding at 3 a.m. The grand opening celebration climaxes on Saturday, March 9th, with the debut ‘Rumba Saturdays’ party.

Los Altos and Taquerias El Mexicano stood out by bringing an authentic Mexican experience to the primarily Cuban neighborhood, Little Havana, and they continue that tradition today. Inside the 3,000-square-foot speakeasy, guests can experience a rich display of Catholic relics and artifacts. At the bar, they offer a mezcal and tequila-focused menu designed to deliver a genuine Mexican experience. Alongside tequila and mezcal cocktails, patrons can enjoy local craft beer selections and fine wines. Also, Los Altos serves a range of Mexican cuisine such as guacamole and pastor-filled quesadillas, a staple at Taquerias El Mexicano since 1985. Los Altos is located at 521 SW Eighth St., Miami, and is open from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.