Let’s go back to the dark times of the 20’s, an era where you couldn’t drown your sorrows with alcohol, well… at least not publicly. For those who might not know, prohibition began in 1920 as a constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. Can you imagine a world without Happy Hours?
The only way to get a drink during this time was through hidden, notorious establishments whose bar was intelligently located behind a storefront or an underground basement. These concealed bars became known as “speakeasy” bars and although their popularity began over a century ago, Los Altos has recently showed Miami the concept still holds its fame.
Since its opening in November, this Mexican upscale lounge and bar has lured hundreds of visitors to its doors, most of which are willing to stand long lines in order to see the hype behind this infamous hole on the wall.
The minds behind Los Altos are no other than the protagonists of Ball & Chain’s recent revival, Zack Bush, Ben Bush, and Bill Fuller. The trio purchased both the upstairs bar and its downstairs neighbors, Taquerias el Mexicano, a Calle Ocho staple known for its iconic mural and mouth-watering tacos.
Although the location’s bright neon lights won’t be hard to find, its veiled upstairs bar might be. But here is a tip: If get there early, your easiest bet is to spot the bouncer. However, if you’re running on Miami time and get there by the time a line accumulates, then that’s where to go.
While you wait, feel free to take snaps, videos and stories of the vibrant location including the occasional buoyant mariachis and Mexican dancers hanging out by the entrance.
Once you get to the front of the line, you will be directed towards the stairs where…um, wait. We don’t want to ruin the surprise for all those newbies, so we will skip this part and let you experience Los Alto’s best hidden secret for yourself.
Yet we can tell you this. It’s definitely one of our new go-to spots. From the hand-painted vintage bathrooms to face-painted senoritas crowned with roses, we could immediately tell this 3,000 square-foot venue was decorated to honor Mexican culture with every thought.
But that’s not the only thing that was meticulously planned out. Its drinks menu features one-of-a-kind drinks made by the recognized Erik Gaytan, a Mexican mezcal expert. Listed you’ll find authentic cocktails such as Tierra Adentro, a spicy-lovers dream made with ingredients such as red bell pepper, chili, lime, ginger and peppercorn. We recommend the Media Noche, a citrusy mix of casa noble reposado, ilegal mezcal, lemon and kumquat molasses.
(This is also our favorite because it comes in a beautiful skull glass, see below)
P.S all their drinks are beautifully arranged and are 100% IG worthy so don’t forget your phone!
This newest bar also now offers complimentary margaritas for all the ladies every Thursday night. We highly recommend you go check out Calle Ocho’s latest hidden gem! Los Altos is open Thursdays from 8 p.m – 1 a.m and Fridays through Saturdays from 8 p.m to 3 a.m. (521 SW Eighth St)
