Azucar Ice Cream Company
#15 of 22 Restaurants in Miami
Cuban-style ice cream shop on Calle Ocho — look for the giant cone on the facade. Flavors riff on Little Havana childhoods: the Abuela Maria (vanilla, guava, cream cheese, Maria cookies) is the one to get. Tiny shop, mostly grab-and-go, and weekend evenings bring a line, but it moves fast.
“...the perfect cultural ambassador for this only-in-Miami operation.”
Key facts
| Hours | Mon–Wed 11:00–21:00 Thu–Sat 11:00–23:00 Sun–Sun 11:00–22:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $ |
| Nearest transit | Metrobus Route 8 along SW 8th St; Little Havana trolley loop stops nearby |
| Time needed | 15-30 minutes |
| Best time to go | Weekday afternoons, or as dessert after a Calle Ocho dinner before the weekend crowd builds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
7.4/10- Value7.0
- Freshness9.5
- excellence7.9
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity7.0
- Accessibility7.0
What locals actually do here
Order the Abuela Maria first, ask for samples second
It's the signature for a reason. Staff will happily let you taste a couple of the rotating tropical flavors before you commit — mamey and guava are usually worth a try.
Verified Jul 2026
Pair it with the block, not the line
Come around 8-9 PM on a Thursday or Friday, get your cone, then walk next door to Ball & Chain for live music. Saturday after 9 PM the whole corner gets packed and parking becomes a chore.
Verified Jul 2026
Frequently asked questions
- How late is Azucar open?
- Until 9 PM early in the week, 11 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 10 PM Sunday. That makes it one of the easier late-dessert options in Little Havana.
- What's the story behind Azucar?
- It's a local, Cuban-American-owned shop that opened in 2011, named after Celia Cruz's famous catchphrase. The flavors are made in small batches and lean hard into Cuban nostalgia — that's why locals still send visitors here.
- Does Azucar have vegan or dairy-free options?
- Yes — their fruit sorbets (mango, coconut, seasonal tropical fruits) are the move if you're skipping dairy. Ask what's in the case that day since flavors rotate.
- Where do I park for Azucar Ice Cream?
- Street parking on the side streets off SW 8th is your best bet, but it fills up fast on weekend nights when Ball & Chain gets going. There are also small paid lots within a block or two.
- What flavor should I get at Azucar?
- Abuela Maria, no contest — vanilla loaded with guava, cream cheese, and crumbled Maria cookies. It tastes like a Cuban grandmother's pantry in a cup. If you want a second scoop, the cafe con leche or mantecado are safe bets.
- Is Azucar Ice Cream worth the trip to Little Havana?
- On its own, maybe not — but you should never come for just the ice cream. It sits next door to Ball & Chain and a short walk from Domino Park, so it's the perfect dessert stop on a Calle Ocho wander.
- Is there seating at Azucar?
- Barely — it's a small shop built for grab-and-go. Take your cone outside and people-watch on Calle Ocho; that's half the experience anyway.
- How much does ice cream cost at Azucar?
- A scoop runs a few dollars more than a chain shop — think ice-cream-parlor prices, not gelato-boutique robbery. Most people get out for under ten bucks a person.
Nearby in Ask Miami
- Little Havana & Calle OchoNeighborhood0.01 km · 0 min walk
- Ball & ChainBar0.02 km · 0 min walk
- Sanguich de MiamiRestaurant0.81 km · 10 min walk
- Garcia's Seafood Grille & Fish MarketRestaurant2.31 km · 29 min walk
- Vizcaya Museum & GardensMuseum2.57 km · 32 min walk
Where to stay near Azucar Ice Cream Company
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