Hello again Sloppy Joe’s (Part Two) by Punch Joe

[El Presidente]

Hello again Sloppy Joe’s (Part Two) by Punch Joe

There’s more to say about the Sloppy Joe’s and more pictures to share so I split this topic in two. Here’s an early 1920’s souvenir photo at the Sloppy. This is where Aeromarine Publicity Director Harry Bruno designed his beautiful 1921 baggage label while drinking rum punch- at least according to his own narrative in “Wing over America” Depicted below with friends.

His owner José Abeal developed the idea of having his own Sloppy ultra-Magnum bottle, and his own premium cigar bands. Cigars and cigarettes sales were allowed in the old days and the establishment had no smoking restrictions. Yes…the good old days of the bar that never sleeps.

Jose Abeal enjoyed mixing drinks for regulars at the bar and also prompted the idea of having a permanent photographer there for shooting celebrities and friends. It became extremely popular so the pictures taken would later embellish the walls and columns of such bar. People told me that the pictures were for free but it is not true. José charged everybody 50 cents a souvenir photo. Now they are seen as collectible items.

The Sloppy Joe’s bar shut its doors in 1965 and it was nearly doomed to disappear. Can’t talk about what happened to a place that once shined without mentioning one thing: The original wooden bar piece was not only the largest in Cuba but in Latin America and sadly was split up in three sections. One of them can still be revered at the Museum of Rum, the other section is in private hands somewhere in the US, and the rest was sacked by nearby neighbors in search for wood.

A sample of cigar bands from the 50’s used by José Abeal to be placed on singles that were sold at the bar.

After almost 50 years closed, the Office of the Historian of the City was in charge of the restoration of the place since 2010. Works were completed in March, 2013 and opened a few weeks later. Good news is that the bar is the exact replica of the old one! The walls are revived with pictures and one can find a gorgeous atmosphere amongst the finest liquors available and a wide assortment of drinks.

Bad news is that you can’t light a cigar inside. Anyway, let’s celebrate that the Sloppy is back and maybe we might change that policy in the years to come. Cheers.

[Skyfall]

Cool stuff, thanks for sharing!

[guideright]

How great is that - has that casablanca thing working - wouldn't it be great to see a resurgence of those types of places...

[Ryan]

Great stuff Punch Joe. Again! Looking forward to having a drink there..

[jangoman88]

Love the story and the history on this. If we are ever allowed to travel for leisure/vacation to Cuba I will make this one of my destinations!

[leftimatic]

Wow what a great story. Love that history stuff.

[bresdogsr]

Great story. Would love to visit some day.

[Habana Mike]

Very cool. Beats Key West version.....in character and vintage!

Guess you have to hit this place for a drink between cigars, for now anyways

[Habana Mike]

Popped in this week for a quick one. Quite the place!

[...]

Nice! Is cigar smoking still restricted inside the bar?

[Habana Mike]

Nice! Is cigar smoking still restricted inside the bar?

Yep, still no smoking. Surprisingly to me a fair few places are 'no fumar'

[stogieluver]

Yep, still no smoking. Surprisingly to me a fair few places are 'no fumar'

Mike, that was my biggest surprise about Cuba. We spent a couple of nights at Cayo Santa Maria, and in

all of that beach resort there wasn't a single place to smoke inside. I couldn't believe it.