Berries in the Grove — Restaurant in Miami

Food was bad, place had dogs. You should also Google their latest health inspection... basically all their equipment and storage areas were soiled and they kept a lot of food at dangerous temperatures. They were ordered to shut down:

Ordered shut Sept. 11

53 violations found

"Sewage/wastewater backing up through floor drains. Observed in front counter bar area from hand wash sink, also in kitchen prep area from hand wash sink observed dirt and debris in the draining blocking the plumbing area. The operator called the plumber and removed the dirt and debris and fixed the issues."

"Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, or food storage area. Observed approximately 20 small flies in the preparation area by the walk-in cooler. Observed by the wall and by the floor next to prepping areas here they make sauces and prepping the raw meats."

"Cooked potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food not cooled from 135 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit within 6 hours. Observed cooked pork 53°F and cooked in chicken 49°F stored overnight in walk-in cooler. The operator removed the items."

"Stop Sale issued on potentially hazardous (time/temperature control for safety) food due to temperature abuse. 2 trays of beef lasagna overnight in walk in cooler at 50°F, white cooked beans 2 pounds 46°F, cooked pork approximately 10 pounds 53°F, Noodle soup 3 lbs. 47°F, Marinara 1 lbs. 48°F, chicken sausage approximately 5 lbs. 48°F, milk 1 gallon 47°F, 2cases of raw chicken 10 lbs. 49°F, precooked pork 5 lbs. 89° F hot holding, cut tomatoes 2 lbs. 58°F, tomatoes sauce 2 lbs. 58°F, raw beef The operator removed and discarded the items."

"Encrusted material on can opener blade. Observed soiled can opener. The staff cleaned them."

"Interior of reach-in cooler soiled with accumulation of food residue. Kitchen, prep area and bar area."

"Pet dog allowed inside food service establishment. Observed inside the restaurant with the curtain close. Observed multiple signs that said dogs are welcome without local government permits. During inspection we observed pet dogs inside the the restaurant. The operator removed all signs during inspection."

"Soda gun soiled. Observed in the bar area and drink preparation area. The staff cleaned them."

"Dollies, pallets, racks or skids used to store or transport packaged food not designed to be moved easily to allow for cleaning access. Observed the area around the pizza dough mixer very soiled and excessive amount of dirt and debris."

"Interior of oven has heavy accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Observed soiled oven the kitchen....

My family and I decided to head over to Barrie’s by the Groove given its a comfortable place for us and for the kids. It was Friday night at 10pm right after our lovely Disney on Ice experience.

The host that attended us had us sit anywhere in the back. As we get to our table we never received eye contact from the lady providing the menu’s for us and the kids. I forced a thank you and made an effort to make sure she noticed my thankfulness but she just shrugged it off and walked away. My wife noticed the menu has changed to a more economical paper menu, I brushed that off and kept positive.

I had to make contact to someone to attend to us. At this point I’m still optimistic and ordered familiar items I used to have like the hummus dip and the Brie and fruit platter as an appetizer. The pita bread was tough instead of soft and warm how I remembered. I ordered a mahi-mahi plate and my wife ordered a pasta for the kids and a burger. Once my plate arrived I typically cut the fish using my fork to check it, it felt tough. In my head I thought “oh no it’s over cooked”, I fork within the middle of the fish and noticed a transparent pink color and stopped the waiter immediately. The waiter offered to reheat, I refused since it killed my appetite. I asked for a pizza instead. The pizza came back and it was not charred like I remembered. I understand you can ask for different temperature like well done or medium, but pizza is pizza and it should have been baked nice and toasty given they have a nice brick oven.

We we’re surprised how we were treated as we sat down. The food was subpar to what I remembered 5 years ago. My wife and I built very nice memories here when the tree was in the middle of the main dining area. It’s not there any more and I do feel a lot of soul left along with the tree.

Hope new improvement happen to this gem that seems to be tainted...

Berries in the Grove is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Miami. The vibe is just perfect — open air, always a nice breeze, never too hot, with a bar right there so you can sip, relax, and enjoy. The staff is super accommodating, and the food consistently surprises me with how good it is.

Some standouts: the beet salad with goat cheese (absolutely delicious), their fresh-brewed coffee and smoothies, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice — honestly the best I’ve had in Miami. The menu is really extensive, so there’s something for everyone. I’ve had the poke bowls with tuna, the branzino with capers (a personal favorite), their burgers and chicken sandwich — all fantastic. Even the desserts, like the cheesecake, are spot-on. They even carry Mexican Cokes, which is such a fun touch.

What I really love about Berries is that it works for any mood or occasion. I’ve celebrated birthdays with loved ones here — it’s spacious enough that you never feel cramped, but still has that fun, social energy. If you’re in the mood to mingle, you can sit at the bar and chat with the friendly regulars and Grove locals. If you want something quieter, you can find a tucked-away table. I’ve even stopped by just for a quick bite before heading to the beach.

They also host games and parties with music and DJs, so there’s always a lively option if you’re looking for it. And the cigar bar tucked away in the back is a unique touch if you want a drink and a smoke. Parking is free and easy (a rarity in the Grove!).

Honestly, I’ve never had a bad time here. Every visit has been a good one. If you’re looking for a place in Coconut Grove with great food, atmosphere, and service — whether it’s for a party, a date, or just a casual stop — Berries is it.

PS try the hand cut fries...