The Globe Cafe — Restaurant in Coral Gables

I made a dinner reservation for 13 people, including myself, to celebrate my birthday mid January on a Saturday night. Naturally, some people arrived later than others. I expected to hear performers play jazz music throughout the night, but we heard anything. We were seated by the wall, I suppose the "back", near the hallway to the restrooms. It seems they have private rooms that people can rent for private parties, so we heard a combination on Latin music and something else. Overall, the music in the restaurant was too loud, that it was impossible for anyone to converse. I had to lean forward to hear what my friend sitting in front of me was saying. I assume the server or restaurant was waiting for everyone to order their entrees in order for all the meals to be prepared together and arrive simultaneously. I had one friend who was indecisive and two who might have bene indecisive or had difficulty getting the attention of the server because she was constantly moving between tables. The reservation was at 8:30pm, and unfortunately, our food arrived sometime between 10 and 11pm, nearly 11pm. Everyone was hungry and some even suggested we leave to another restaurant, but being a large group, we stayed and inquired to the server more than once about the wait time. Since I'm vegetarian, I wanted to order the Pear Ravioli, but it wasn't available, so I went with the chicken penne without the chicken. My plate was decent, but not memorable. I'm not sure how everyone felt about their food, but because of the long wait time and loud music, the price for the restaurant didn't seem worth it. Johanna, the server, did the best she could, including serving us fries as we waited for the entrees, and I don't blame her. I imagine it's challenging serving a large group, but I think it's best to start preparing the food as people order and if other arrive later or take long, they order when they're ready and eat later. One thing I appreciate about her is they she separated everyone's bills from the beginning to avoid the hassle later. Maybe they were short staffed that day, maybe because there was another group of 20 that same night, but our experience could've been better. Unfortunately, I don't see myself...

Weekend jazz, a destination for private functions, a European-inspired theme and an extensive offering of both food and drink options are hard to find in one restaurant. But the family-owned Globe Cafe and Bar in the heart of Coral Gables offers all of the above and so much more.

Upon entering The Globe, my family — my husband and son — and I were welcomed immediately by a friendly wait staff and within moments we were escorted to our table. The ambience inside is very inviting, the bistro-style music serving as the ideal complement to the warmth and feel of the main interior of the restaurant. Later, I also peeked inside The Black Room – The Globe’s reservable venue for private events — and was impressed by the layout that allows for fairly well-sized groups to fit comfortably inside.

With regard to the meal itself, I ordered the Bahamian Conch Fritters as an appetizer and the Cuban Picadillo Salad for my entrée. Being a fan of conch fritters, I was eager to try The Globe’s rendition, and they definitely lived up to expectations. They were cooked to the right level, and the conch was well-seasoned without being overpowered. The salad was a generous portion, certainly an entrée-sized serving rather than simply functioning as an appetizer. The picadillo – a Cuban staple – was quite flavorful, and the mojo-based vinaigrette dressing and chopped tostones “croutons” were both tasty and intelligent additions.

Inside, The Globe’s Euro-themed inspiration comes to life with scenic portraits and a colorful interior. The music was well-chosen, lively enough to set the mood but not at all overwhelming. (Speaking of music, The Globe features live jazz every Saturday night, which I’ve attended previously and is a lively and fun event, one I frequent whenever able.) The staff was personable and attentive, both offering thoughts and menu recommendations before we ordered and stopping by the table to check if we needed anything further.

All in all, my most recent visit to The Globe Cafe and Bar in Coral Gables was a very positive experience, from the food to the service to the atmosphere as a whole. Overall I would highly recommend The Globe for your next night out in...

I have had great meals at the Globe when visiting Coral Gables on business, usually lunch. Today was different, although in town on business. I suggested to my business partner that we take lunch at The Globe based on past experience. When we arrived around one o'clock the place was empty. Strange. I ordered a Reuben and he ordered the grilled chicken. Service was great and our meals came what seemed a bit delayed considering there were only two other customers. I took the first bite of the Reuben and wow, the corned beef had the texture of beef jerky and had an odd taste despite being loaded with dressing and kraut. The fries were outstanding. I asked my partner how his sandwich was, he said very good. I chalked it up to my taste must be off to my taste being off, but can't wrap my arms around that texture. I have only written comments on restaurants a few times, but directly to the management with the exception of panning Delvecchio's in Weston on Yelp. Only writing here as I went to the Globe website and found no "Contact Us" or way to advise owner that something was amiss, so here it is here. Don't want a response or coupon for another meal, but as a former restaurant owner wanted to know his kitchen today was off and I will try the place next door on my next visit as the bankers across the street...