La Octava is the Laureles salsa-and-Cuban-jazz spot that fills with Paisas and a smaller foreigner crowd than the Poblado venues, Wednesday is open mic night, Friday-Saturday are the proper live programmes.
The room is small with a stage at one end and a curved zinc bar opposite. The drinks list is short and ron-heavy, mojitos, classic daiquiris, an honest old fashioned. Salsa pairs with rum here, not cocktails, embrace it.
