As many prepare to receive the Michelin Guide Florida announcements, last night was an incredible night for the Magic City's cocktail community.

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Café La Trova, one of Miami's most beloved staples located in Calle Ocho, was named the sixth-best bar In North America and received the "Best Bar in the South" at the first-ever edition of North America's 50 Best Bars awards held in New York City on June 7. The coveted list also included other Miami staples placing Sweet Liberty at No. 14 and Broken Shaker at No. 32.

"This amazing recognition in the inaugural North America 50 Best Bars list means so much to us. It is not just recognition for our hard work; it is recognition for everything we represent -- the Miami cocktail community, the authentic Cantinero style, and the Latin immigrant community who come to this country to follow their dreams. We want to congratulate and thank our entire team for the tremendous effort they give every day, especially during and after the pandemic. We are going to keep doing what we love, keep improving every day, and keep spreading awareness of the Cantinero culture." said Co-Owner of Café La Trova and Master Cantinero Julio Cabrera.

Cabrera's path to the bar's helm is rich in history and international influence. His earliest memories as a child in Cuba are playing at his father's 24-hour bar in front of their home. It was there that he first developed an interest in and appreciation for bartending. He went to college and earned a degree in engineering, specializing in coffee, sugarcane, and citrus. Despite holding several managerial positions, he always felt that his calling was to be a Cantinero, a bartender.

Cabrera decided to pursue his passion in 1989 and has been working in the bartending industry ever since. He has a diverse international portfolio working in his native Cuba, Italy, Cancun, and Miami. He was chosen to represent a prominent brand of Cuban rum as a bartender in Italy after winning several Cuban cocktail competitions, and he gained experience managing events and promotions throughout Europe.

A chance meeting with James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein in 2004 resulted in a long-term collaboration between the two. Cabrera moved to Miami when Michelle opened Michy's in 2006. After completing the Beverage Alcohol Resource Program in New York, two years later, he worked with Michelle to open Sra. Martinez, where he managed the bar. His cocktail creations at Sra. Martinez helped the restaurant be named one of the 100 best bars in America in 2012.

Cabrera created the cocktail program for several hotels and bars around the world through his consulting company Red Shaker, including the Nizuc Luxury Hotel in Cancun, the world-famous Ball & Chain, Seagrape, Crown Room, and 1930's House at Thompson Hotel, Dolce Italian at The Gale, World-Class Bar on Celebrity Cruises, and others.

Cabrera and his team of cantineros (Cuban bartenders) at Café La Trova bring the retro Cuba atmosphere to life with their artisanal, handcrafted cocktails, while James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein lends her culinary prowess with a contemporary take on Cuban-styled dishes. The multifaceted concept combines traditional "cantinero" cocktail culture with Miami's 1980s Cubano renaissance, offering classic and creative drinks, contemporary Cuban and Latin-inspired dishes, daily live music, and an outdoor patio for dominoes and cigars.

Café La Trova, located on Calle Ocho in the heart of Little Havana, is named after and inspired by the traditional Cuban music, la Trova, which originated in Santiago de Cuba; and for the cantinero, which means professional bartender, a cultural touchstone in the Cuban community who values attention to detail, hospitality, and excellent service.

The restaurant has received numerous awards and accolades, including being ranked No. 28 on The World's 50 Best Bars (2021).

Café La Trova is located at 971 SW 8th St. For more information, visit the website.