Saladino Design Studios created a colorful and dynamic design for Little Havana’s buzzworthy Los Altos, a hidden Mexican speakeasy lounge located in Miami, Florida.

Located above a popular taqueria on Miami’s Calle Ocho in Little Havana is the hidden Mexican speakeasy named Los Altos. Miami-based Saladino Design Studios are the creative minds and muscle behind this popular lounge that has people all over the City and beyond buzzing.

Guests enter through a dulceria (candy store) adorned with colorful piñatas and authentic Mexican caramelos. Once inside, they encounter a more seductive red dimly-lit space with tiled tin ceilings, distressed walls, velvet-upholstered banquettes and drapery, and loads of décor imported from south of the border.

The 2,600 square foot venue branded as an intimate, upscale cocktail lounge features imported hand-painted tiles, a gold leaf ceiling and repurposed doors that were once part of an abandoned church. The design, inspired by old-world Mexican folklore, also includes hand-painted Mexican craft bathroom fixtures.

Arched walls with original brick details are found near the bathrooms which include iron-cast bathroom stalls and ceramic and metal details. The team at Saladino implemented unique design features throughout the space, including a faux chest of drawers underneath the bar top. Hanging above it, vintage-inspired light fixtures provide just the right amount of lighting to maintain the mystical ambiance. Art pieces were inspired by Aztec Gods and Goddesses and old Spanish-style paintings with neon provide a modern, artistic touch.

Design: Saladino Design Studios Photography: Kris Tamburello

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