Broken Shaker — Restaurant in Miami Beach

I was honestly expecting a lot given the high ratings and recommendations from different sources. Maybe this place is a hit-or-miss. We got seated beside the pool, even though I reserved for Courtyard not the pool (worth noting that we were late to the reso, but there were a number of empty tables still that were further from the pool). It was a very bland environment to say the least. We came for drinks after dinner ~9pm on a Friday, and it was not too packed.

I think the after-dark environment isn't very good. There's no lighting at the tables (it would help to just have those cheap non-burning candles). You're literally sitting on lawn tables beside a hotel pool in the dark. It feels like you're in someone's backyard. It's cute and very unassuming, and probably amazing in the day time or around sunset, but at night probably more suited for those in their early 20s and having a standing room situation than seated.

Next we got our server coming around really soon after we sat down to take our order (

I want to start this review with a disclaimer to those reading:

The Broken Shaker is a wonderful place to catch a vibe, score some drinks and a bit to eat.

I am writing this review because I have never been treated so disrespectfully by a host at an establishment like this. I hadn't been here In over 2 years due to the pandemic, I'm used to just walking in and ordering at the bar and then sitting down where I choose.

Upon arrival, Claudia single handedly wasted our time and totally ruined our night. She spoke rude and pedantically towards my party. I just wanted to come in and have a drink and maybe some food... she acted as if we were stupid for not knowing the establishment had adopted a reservation system (due to the pandemic) passed 11pm. It would have felt justified had it not been 10:30pm and walk-ins were still welcome.

After I asked if I could just sit at a table to order food and a drink she, as if almost forced to, disdainfully lead us to a table. We waited for 30 minutes. After no service and starving... we noticed a guy in no particular uniform wearing a Red Reptar tshirt picking up cups and plates. He informed us that the kitchen closed at 11 and service went to the bar. We were furious. More on him later.

As we were cursing under our breaths for the hostesses uncouth display of her responsibilities, she had sat down another group promising them the waiter would be by. We confronted her and beckoned her Why she's wasting people's time? With a puzzled and insulted face she replied that the kitchen closed at 11:45. Then she walked away and proceeded to trash talk about us and point at us to a fellow employee.

I only left a 1 star review because of Claudia. If/when the owner replies to this review I will change my rating back to 5 star if they give me an appropriate customer service response.

This night would have been a total fail if not for Sonny. If there was ever anyone who exemplified the makings of a manager who has achieved the pinnacle of customer service courtesy, it was this guy. The same kid walking around in a nostalgic Red Reptar tshirt. Somehow he managed to get our order in, and gave us exemplary fastidiuous service. Turns out he wasn't even a waiter, he just bus's tables. I was floored. If the Broken Shaker doesn't see your potential, they don't deserve you. Your work ethic is bar none to any one I've worked with across 15 years of customer service experience. Consider this my letter of recommendation.

Thank you, truly... you made this place worth...

This place is an oddity. It's hard to see the entrance, but once you're inside you see beautiful open outdoor spaces to (supposedly) sit and get some interesting cocktails. the oddity comes into play when you try to find a place to simply drink your drink. A group of 4 of us were told twice we "can't stand there" in 2 different spots. We asked where we could and were told essentially "I don't know, but not here." Ok... We found an open couch that a busser said we could use, but were promptly told that it was reserved for other people by another staff member. We never did see the group that supposedly had it reserved.

So the entire time we were wandering around with our drinks just trying to find a place to actually drink our drinks we ordered. Very peculiar... and despite the appearances presented at the place, very uncomfortable being asked to constantly move and be told "we can't be there" and being offered no solutions as to where we could actually be.

This place has potential, but this situation needs to be resolved. It's just strange and uncomfortable. We weren't the only group being asked to move and rotate around.

That being said, if you want a place for delicious drinks you don't mind simply walking around in circles while drinking your cocktail being told to move all the time,...