Bar Monserrate

Bar Monserrate holds the corner of Avenida de Bélgica and Obrapía, one block from El Floridita and operating in a different economy. Island Runaways prices its beer and rum at less than half the Floridita rate, and calls it an authentic, reasonably priced joint that celebrates the Havana of today.

The draw is the band. LaHabana.com's city guide notes musicians play every evening, and most afternoons too, working son and salsa standards while the room sings along.

Difford's Guide lists it among Havana's essential bars. Treat it as the second stop on the Obispo circuit: do the daiquiri history at Floridita, then come here to actually drink.

The room is one open rectangle: long bar down one side, band setup by the windows, ceiling fans doing what they can. Photos of old Havana and decades of bar clutter cover the walls. The windows open to the street, so the music spills out and the queue forms by ear.

Mojitos run USD 3 to 4 and TripAdvisor reviewers rate them among Old Havana's best for the money; one long running review thread calls them the second best in the city. Piña coladas and straight Havana Club pours round out the list. Nobody comes for a cocktail program; they come because the band is four feet away.

Island Runaways describes the atmosphere as a party whatever day of the week, with magicians and entertainers wandering between tables. Locals and travelers mix at roughly even ratio, which is rare one block from a cruise stop. Dancing starts wherever there is floor.

What regulars say:

• TripAdvisor reviewers repeatedly call it the best value bar within a block of Floridita.
• Island Runaways praises the unpredictable entertainers and the local crowd.
• LaHabana.com's guide confirms live music daily from the afternoon onward.

Who it is for:

• Live Cuban son without a cover charge or a tourist markup
• The budget round after the obligatory Floridita daiquiri
• Avoid if you want craft cocktails; this is rum, mint, and a band

The honest Havana bar of the Obispo circuit. Half the price of its famous neighbor, twice the band, and the room you will actually remember when the trip is over.

Getting there: Avenida de Bélgica 401 at Obrapía. From El Floridita, turn left and walk one block.

Timing: Open daily noon to around midnight. The band hits full stride from late afternoon.

Cost: Mojitos USD 3 to 4, beer USD 2. Cash only in practice; tip the band.