Situated along the southeastern coast of Florida, Miami is a bustling city known for its beaches and nightlife. It is also a spot with an active arts district and home to Little Havana, a vibrant Hispanic district that features colorful murals, monuments and Cuban coffee. The city is home to a wide selection of eateries of all origins, many of which offer in-house entertainment. For fun Mexican flair, several local restaurants offer live mariachi music.
The style of music known as mariachi originated in western Mexico sometime in the 18th century. Throughout its history, mariachi musicians have included instruments of every kind, including wind, string and brass instruments, but almost all bands include violins, trumpets, guitars, a large acoustic bass and a vihuela -- a high-pitched guitar with five strings. Song selection has increased over the years, and includes traditional Mexican songs, regional favorites and popular tunes.
Located at the heart of Little Havana, Tapas de Rosa is a family owned and operated option. The food is traditional Mexican cuisine and tapas, a tradition of small between meal snacks. This is a favorite option for groups or couples as it makes sharing and sampling easier. The menu features standards such as chicken and pork, but also a variety of lamb and chorizo, a spicy Mexican pork sausage. The restaurant provides a warm, friendly atmosphere where the owner and her family regularly greet guests. Most days of the week, guests are treated to live mariachi music. Customers can choose from a wide selection of wines to go with their dinner. The local popularity of the place sometimes means a long wait.
An upscale Mexican restaurant, Mercadito has locations in Miami, New York and Chicago. The midtown Miami location has several menus to choose from -- brunch, lunch and dinner, as well as a "sharing menu" for groups and a vegetarian menu. The food is traditional Mexican style, including tacos, burritos and a selection of salsas and guacamole. Its ingredients include fresh fruits and veggies, seafood, skirt steak and chicken. The Miami Mercadito features a live mariachi band several nights per week. The restaurant features a full-service bar and available catering.
Located along Biscayne Boulevard, near the heart of Miami, Paquitos is a family owned and operated traditional Mexican restaurant. Guests can enjoy traditional Mexican cuisine -- tacos, tamales and burritos -- as well as a live mariachi band. The band plays a varying schedule each week. Guests also have access to a full service bar, delivery and catering.
