6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Miami through Pitbull's eyes: a guide to his favorite spots in the Magic City
Imagine if you could tour Miami with Pitbull. You'd probably hear your fair share of 'Dale!'
Now you can discover the Cuban-American rapper's favorite spots. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of his album 'Dale,' he's teamed up with Apple Maps to create a guide to his favorite restaurants and small businesses, Pitbull's Miami Spots.
Each spot is dear to his heart and he explains their significance to his career or his love of Miami on the Apple Maps tour.
'I never forget my roots or the people who helped me along the way,' Pitbull says on the tour.
Mary's Cafe and Coin Laundry
This is one of Pitbull's favorite hangouts, and he's not alone. Lots of people come here to do their laundry and have pan con bistec or a Cuban sandwich. It's just as good as any place in town claiming to have the best Cuban sandwich in Miami.
'This spot's the real Miami—cafecito strong, abuelas louder, and hustle in the air. I grew up seeing magic in places like this, where every stain on the floor tells a story. Dale, if you wanna know the city's heartbeat, start here. No failures, only cafecito,' says Pitbull on the Apple map.
Miami Coral Park Senior High
Before he was Mr. Worldwide, Pitbull was just Armando — a student at this Southwest Miami high school.
'That's where I went from being a Cuban kid with three strikes to Mr. Worldwide,' the artist says of his alma mater. The hallways were his first stage.
Versailles
Pitbull has a special connection to this longtime Miami dining institution on Calle Ocho.
'My uncle Juan Pérez-Cruz designed the Versailles mirrors,' Pitbull proudly says in the text that accompanies the guide.
La Carreta
There are nine La Carretas around town. Pitbull probably likes the one on Calle Ocho, with its elegant rooster at the entrance.
Domino Park
There are things that never change in Miami, like the sound of the dominoes in Domino Park, says Pitbull of this spot in the heart of Little Havana. That park is where 'tradition and community' come together, he notes.
Jose Marti Park
Before the Miami River got trendy, Pitbull and his family used to hang out in this park.
'This park is my family's thriving and surviving. Resilience isn't a word here; it's the air,' says Pitbull.
Pitbull Stadium
Florida International University's stadium is now Pitbull Stadium, thanks to a major partnership with the university. He donates $1.2 million annually and gets to host 10 events a year.
'It's proof that with hard work and passion, anything is possible here in the 305,' he says.
SLAM Academy
Pitbull's impact goes beyond music. He founded Sports Leadership and Management Charter School (SLAM) in Little Havana to give back to the next generation — and it's expanded to West Palm Beach and even Nevada.
Big Cypress Distillery
Located in South Miami-Dade, this is where Voli 305 Vodka — a brand Pitbull has a stake in — is made.
'You can taste the soul of Miami in every drink,' says the rapper.
Florida Keys
When Mr. 305 wants to unwind, he hits the road to the Florida Keys. Key Largo is his go-to escape — a mix of ocean breeze, mangroves, seafood, and fan love.
'It's the kind of place that recharges you with positive energy.'
Other Apple Maps guides include: Los Angeles Spots by Becky G; Miami Spots by Camila Cabello, Puerto Rico Spots by Young Miko, and Mexico City Spots by Enrique Olvera.
