I stopped by for lunch today and honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything more than a quick bite — but the entire experience turned out to be one of the highlights of my week. From the moment I walked in, the energy of the place felt welcoming and relaxed, perfect for a midday break.
What really set the tone, though, was our server, Martina. She greeted us right away with a genuine smile and a positive attitude that immediately made us feel taken care of. Even though the restaurant was starting to get busy, she never made us feel rushed or like we were just another table she had to get through. Instead, she took the time to walk us through a few of the menu highlights, recommending a few dishes based on what we were in the mood for. You could tell she knew the menu inside and out, but more importantly, you could tell she actually cared about making sure we enjoyed what we ordered.
I ended up going with one of Martina’s suggestions — the grilled chicken sandwich with a side of their house salad — and it was spot-on. Everything was fresh, seasoned perfectly, and plated beautifully. My friend ordered the shrimp tacos, which Martina had mentioned were one of her personal favorites, and those were equally impressive. You could tell the ingredients were high quality, and nothing felt overly processed or rushed.
Throughout the meal, Martina checked in just the right amount — not hovering, but also never hard to flag down when we needed something. She refilled our drinks without us having to ask and even brought out a complimentary small dessert for us to try when she found out it was my friend’s birthday, which was such a thoughtful touch.
Beyond her professionalism, what really made Martina stand out was her personality. She was warm, easygoing, and seemed to genuinely enjoy connecting with the people she was serving. It didn’t feel like she was “just doing her job” — it felt like she was making sure we had the kind of experience that would bring us back. And honestly, it worked.
By the time we finished, we both agreed that Martina had made a great lunch even better. It’s rare these days to find service that feels so personal and sincere, especially during busy hours, but Martina absolutely nailed it.
I’ll definitely be back soon — not just because of the great food, but because exceptional service like that deserves to be recognized and supported. If you go, definitely ask to sit in Martina’s section if you can. She’s a total pro and...
Read moreWith only one more day left of my vacation in South Beach ⛱️ I knew I needed to check out The Birdcage Cafe located in The Carlyle Hotel one of SOBE most recognized and well known of the Art Deco hotels along Ocean Drive and SOBE. This beloved Art Deco landmark has appeared in several films and TV shows such as Scarface , Miami Vice but probably the one that will always stand out and is the most noted is the film The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.Being a huge fan of the film The Birdcage myself it was a must to check out and I wasn't disappointed. The first thing that caught my eye as I was being seated was all of the wait staff were wearing shirts representing the film too. Robin Williams pictured on some while Nathan Lane pic on others. Being a huge fan of the film I inquired about purchasing the shirts and was disappointed when I was told they are not available for sale. I mentioned that they should consider selling Birdcage merchandise in the furturesuch as the shirts as the shirts as they would indeed be very popular sellers.My waitress said she would mention it. That was my only disappointment at The Birdcage Cafe was the shirts not being available, the rest of my dining experience was awesome. I had a very nice waitress who was very efficient too. Wish I could remember her name. First on my list that I ordered was an amazing , Frozen Mojito ( Being a huge fan of Mojito especially the ones made in Miami Beach, Miami etc the best in the world) I of course opted for the largest one they had . Made with perfection and I ordered a second one later on. For a lite lunch I enjoyed the Seafood Cerviche served to a Spicy perfection the way it should and accompany/served with the Cerviche a nice helping of Tortilla chips. I had a very enjoyable experience and next month when Iam back down in South Beach I will stop in again at The Carlyle/Birdcage and enjoy another one of those fabulous Frozen Mojitos and perhaps make it a dinner stop this time.Highly Recommend a stop at The Birdcage Cafe for lunch or dinner when in...
Read moreI recently had the pleasure of dining at Birdcage Cafe in Miami Beach, and it was nothing short of spectacular! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with stunning views and a vibrant atmosphere that set the perfect tone for our evening.
Our waitress, Delfina, originally from Argentina, truly elevated our experience. Her warm demeanor and exceptional knowledge of the menu made us feel right at home. She was incredibly attentive and genuinely focused on ensuring our dining experience was flawless. Delfina's recommendations were spot-on, showcasing her expertise and passion for the culinary delights offered.
Now, let’s talk about the food! Every dish we ordered was on point and bursting with flavor. The three buffalo shrimp were a delightful explosion of taste, while the buffalo wings were perfectly crispy and sauced to perfection. The coconut shrimp platter was a tropical treat, and the Cobb salad was fresh and vibrant, making it a perfect accompaniment to our meal.
We also indulged in several signature margaritas that were simply divine, each sip more refreshing than the last. Happy hour on a Friday at Birdcage Cafe is not to be missed!
Overall, our experience was enhanced by the fast service, breathtaking views, and Delfina’s exceptional hospitality. I highly recommend Birdcage Cafe to anyone looking for a top-notch dining experience connected to the Carlyle Hotel. You won’t be...
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