BALL AND CHAIN – Mexican
Calle Ocho's loudest corner, and it earns it. Ball & Chain runs live Cuban music from lunchtime to closing, mambo, bachata and salsa, across a dim front bar and a garden stage out back. The kitchen stays open until midnight: sandwich cubano and medianoche pressed on Cuban bread, ropa vieja, vaca frita crisped at the edges, lechon tacos with grilled pineapple, plantain marquitas, arroz con leche to finish. Cocktails riff on the neighbourhood, from a Calle Ocho old fashioned to a pastelito daiquiri. Esquire listed it among America's best bars in 2026. Come for the dancing; stay for the dinner.
1513 SW 8Th Street, Miami, FL, 33135 +1-305-643-7820 https://ballandchainmiami.com/0Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, raw-food, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, juice-cleanse, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at BALL AND CHAIN
Dairy-Free at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Veggie Wrap, Marquitas de Maduros and Tropical Ensalada. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Masitas de Puerco, Tropical Seafood Ceviche and Ropa Vieja. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 14 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Pargo Frito Entero, Churros de la Casa and Veggie Wrap. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 5 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Vaca Frita, Veggie Wrap and Cuban Spring Roll. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Vaca Frita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Vaca Frita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 22 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Veggie Wrap, Marquitas de Maduros and Tropical Ensalada. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at BALL AND CHAIN
BALL AND CHAIN in Miami has 31 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Churros de la Casa, Veggie Wrap and Marquitas de Maduros. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at BALL AND CHAIN
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical Seafood Ceviche | 24.8 g | 59.1 g |
| The Cuban Green Salad | 127.1 g | 57.2 g |
| Sandwich Cubano | 12.6 g | 56.6 g |
| Cuban Spring Roll | 11.4 g | 53.5 g |
| Vegetarian Cuban Taco | 91.7 g | 46.5 g |
| Exotica Pineapple Salad | 35 g | 40.9 g |
| Calle Ocho Burger | 48.2 g | 33.4 g |
| Medianoche Sandwich | 21.7 g | 33 g |
| Cuarto de Pollo | 80 g | 31 g |
| Dry-Rubbed Skirt Steak | 62.7 g | 26.6 g |
| Tropical Ensalada | 159.6 g | 25 g |
| Vaca Frita | 2.6 g | 24.7 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Menu
Appetizers
- B&C Elote - $12: Roasted corn, chipotle crema, fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicharrones - $14: Signature house pork belly, house seasoning, lime, chipotle aioli Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicharrones con Guacamole - $18: Signature house pork belly, house seasoning, freshly made guacamole, plantain chips Available at: dinner, lunch
- Congri Fritters - $10: Rice, beans, cheese, mustard aioli Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Croquetas de Jamon - $10: Ham croquettes served with herb vinaigrette and mojo aioli for dipping Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cuban Spring Roll - $12: Ham, mojo pork, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard aioli Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Empanadas de Carne - $12: Three beef empanadas with mojo and chipotle aioli sauces served on the side Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jerk Roasted Chicken Wings - $15: Sweet & spicy scotch bonnet jelly Available at: dinner, lunch
- Marquitas de Maduros - $8: House-made sweet plantain chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Quesadilla - $14: House queso, avocado crema, ahi amarillo. Choice of: Roasted Veggie, Grilled Chicken, or Beef Short Rib Available at: dinner, lunch
- Queso Frito - $12: Dominican-style fried cheese with a Cuban twist and house-made guava rum sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tropical Seafood Ceviche - $18: Local conch, jumbo shrimp, pineapple, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro, red onion Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Raw-Food, TLC, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Sandwiches & Burgers
- Ball & Chain Burger - $18: Aged Angus beef, fried cheese, chicharrones, guacamole, fresh cilantro, brioche bun, French fries Available at: dinner, lunch
- Calle Ocho Burger - $17: Aged angus, Tillamook cheddar, pickles, tomato, toasted brioche, served with grilled pineapple slaw and potato frites Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Medianoche Sandwich - $15: Ham, mojo pork, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard aioli on pan suave, served with papas fritas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mojo Grilled Chicken Sandwich - $16: Swiss cheese, spicy mayo, and tomato on toasted brioche, served with grilled pineapple slaw and potato frites Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sandwich Cubano - $15: Ham, mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard aioli on pan Cuban, served with papas fritas Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Veggie Wrap - $14: Spinach, tricolor quinoa, corn, cucumber, black beans, red onion, sweet plantain, avocado-lime sauce, french fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Cuban Classics
- Chicken Fricassee - $22: Garlic citrus mojo-marinated chicken, shredded and tossed in a white wine tomato broth with potatoes and carrots Available at: dinner, lunch
- Masitas de Puerco - $20: Traditional garlic citrus mojo-marinated pork, lightly fried and tossed in our signature seasoning, served with sautéed onions Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ropa Vieja - $24: Cuban-style shredded beef, slow marinated in our signature tomato sauce with bell peppers and onions Dietary tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vaca Frita - $26: Mojo-lime marinated shredded skirt steak, pan-fried, topped with sautéed onion and fresh lime wedges Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Renal, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Cuarto de Pollo - $18: Quarter chicken, fried egg, avocado, plantains, fluffy white rice Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Dry-Rubbed Skirt Steak - $32: Chimichurri sauce, roasted corn salsa, baby heirloom tomatoes, red onions, paprika vinaigrette, yuca fries Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lechon Tacos - $16: Citrus mojo-marinated pork, grilled pineapple, chipotle aioli, pico de Gallo, crispy pork rinds, micro cilantro Dietary tags: High-Fiber, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Little Havana Salmon - $26: Pan-roasted salmon, pineapple salsa, roasted asparagus, tricolor quinoa, fresh cilantro Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mahi-Mahi Tacos - $18: Beer battered crispy mahi-mahi, jalapeno-cilantro lime coleslaw, radish, pineapple, avocado Dietary tags: Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pargo Frito Entero - $38: Perfectly seasoned deep-fried whole snapper, fluffy white rice, cucumber, tomato, rich peanut sauce, house-made plantain mojo sauce Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pinchos con Papa - $28: Skirt steak, roasted fingerling potatoes, baby carrots, asparagus, rich peanut sauce, mini cuban green salad Available at: dinner, lunch
- Vegetarian Cuban Taco - $14: Fried yuca, avocado-lime aioli, black bean paste, cotija cheese, pico de gallo, micro cilantro Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- B&C Ensalada de Casa - $12: Mixed greens, cucumber, apple, mint, mojito-citrus dressing Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Exotica Pineapple Salad - $16: Manchego cheese, cucumber, tricolor peppers, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, avocado, radish, chopped kale, pineapple, hearts of palm, lemon-basil vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- The Cuban Green Salad - $15: Mixed greens, sweet plantain, black beans, avocado, heirloom tomatoes, red onions, fresh cilantro, crispy pork rinds, cotija cheese, cumin-lime dressing Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tropical Ensalada - $15: Mixed greens, radish, mango, pineapple, heirloom tomatoes, mango-pineapple dressing, candied pecans Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Arroz con Leche - $8: Cuban rice pudding, sweetened with condensed milk and topped with cinnamon Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Churros de la Casa - $10: Cinnamon and sugar churros, served with Nutella and salted caramel Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian
- Flan de la Casa - $8: House-made caramel custard, topped with Maria cookie Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Pastelitos de Guayaba - $6: Popular Cuban pastry filled with delicious Guava Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Classic Cocktails
- Bananita Daiquiri - $15: Bacardi rum, créme de banana, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, coffee beans, bananita Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Cafecito Bourbon - $16: Maker's mark bourbon, Demerara syrup, salt, cold brew coffee, orange peel Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol
- Call Me a Cooler - $15: Absolut Mango vodka, passion fruit puree, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, club soda Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse
- Calle Ocho Old Fashioned - $17: Bacardi 8 aged rum, demerara sugar, tobacco infused bitters, tobacco leaf Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Coco Capa - $18: Ron Zacapa 23, guava nectar, coconut cream Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Colada Tini - $16: Absolut vanilla vodka, creme de cacao, espresso coffee, simple syrup Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Collins Fresco - $15: E11even vodka, cucumber slices, simple syrup, fresh lime juice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse
- Cuban Iced Tea - $15: Tito's vodka, triple sec, lime juice, tobacco-infused bitters, splash of Coke Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse, Lectin-Free
- Guava Sangria - $14: Havana club anejo rum, almond liqueur, guava purée, pineapple, vino tinto Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium
- La Paloma Clasica - $16: Patron reposado, lime, squirt soda Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- Maracuya Punch - $16: Grey goose vodka, passion fruit, pineapple, agave nectar, lime Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal
- Margarita Caliente - $16: Avion tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, simple syrup, jalapeno slices Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Miami Mule - $15: Ketel One vodka, fresh key lime juice (seasonal), ginger beer, lime Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Juice-Cleanse
- Miami Spritz - $15: Bombay gin, prosecco, fresh-squeezed lime juice, pineapple juice, passion fruit purée with a splash of club soda Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Passion Fontaine - $16: Avion tequila, passion fruit puree, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, fresh basil, jalapeño Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Pastelito Daiquiri - $16: Bacardi rum, guava puree, house-made honey syrup, lime juice, garnished with a pastelito Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Piña Basil Mezcalina - $17: Vida Mezcal, Cointreau, fresh basil, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, pineapple juice, Sal de Gusano Rim Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Juice-Cleanse
- Rosemary Lemonade - $15: Kettle one citroen vodka, lemon, house rosemary syrup, hella citrus bitters Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian
- The World Famous Ball & Chain Mojito - $15: Bacardi rum, fresh lime juice, sugar, fresh mint sprigs Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Juice-Cleanse
- Viejo Cubano - $17: Santa teresa 1796 rum, Prosecco, lime, bitters, mint Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal, Lectin-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about BALL AND CHAIN
- Is BALL AND CHAIN dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. BALL AND CHAIN has 7 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Veggie Wrap, Marquitas de Maduros and Tropical Ensalada.
- What can I eat at BALL AND CHAIN on a dairy-free diet?
- Veggie Wrap, Marquitas de Maduros and Tropical Ensalada carry the dairy-free tag, out of 7 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does BALL AND CHAIN have vegan options?
- Yes. 22 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Veggie Wrap and Marquitas de Maduros.
- Is BALL AND CHAIN gluten-free?
- 3 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at BALL AND CHAIN?
- Tropical Seafood Ceviche, at roughly 59.1g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near BALL AND CHAIN
- ALFARO'S — Mexican
- LA CASA DE LAS BALEADAS — Mexican
- FONDA SABANETA — Mexican
- El Rey de las Fritas — Mexican
- MI RINCONCITO MEXICANO — Mexican
- LA ESQUINA DEL PAN CON BISTEC — Mexican
- SAZON CATRACHO — Mexican
- PASEO UNIVERSITARIO — Mexican
- COLOYO'S FOOD & GRILL — Mexican
- FRITANGA TISCAPA — Mexican
- LA ESQUIRE DEL PAN CON BISTEC — Mexican
- YAMBO RESTAURANT — Mexican
