Birdcage
Restaurant · Atlanta ·
Latin-inspired fare with vibrant decor and a cocktail bar
Latin-inspired fare with vibrant decor and a cocktail bar
"We like eating at this Latin restaurant for their flamboyant dining room (two words: feathered chandeliers) and budget-friendly prices (most of the menu is under $15). It’s worth splurging an extra Hamilton for their whole adobo chicken, which arrives on a plate with flour tortillas and a pile of pickled red onion. On its own, this bird is moist with a decent char and a hint of citrus. But what really makes it fun and separates it from the rest on this list is Birdcage’s array of dipping sauces. Get all six (our favorite is the cilantro cream) to have a dunking party like Dominique Wilkins in his prime." - juli horsford
"Usually Mondays are for the birds, but Birdcage should make you reconsider the idiom. Despite its name and heavy dedication to the fowl theme (e.g., birdcage light fixtures and enough feathers to stuff a pillow), this Grant Park restaurant is a hit. Their menu is stuffed with Latin dishes bursting with flavor like their sofrito squash topped with queso fresco crumbles and pepitos. Plus, everything is less than $15 (aside from a whole chicken and a rack of ribs), so you can still have a fun night out that won’t break your budget for the week." - jacinta howard, juli horsford
"Birdcage is a pocket-friendly Latin spot that's lavishly decked out in feathers and a Lisa Frank palette. When we clapped eyes on the chandeliers with bright pink feather plumes. The whole lightly charred citrus adobo chicken could easily feed two to four people (for only $26). Add on all six sauces for another $4. Eating out without upsetting your financial advisor. Almost everything (besides the whole chicken and rack of ribs) is under $15." - jacinta howard, juli horsford, nina reeder, nina reeder, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, jacinta howard, nina reeder, juli horsford, juli horsford, juli horsford, jacinta howard, jacinta howard
"It’s unlikely we’ll live to see the day when a Grant Park restaurant has valet service and a grass wall photo op, but Birdcage has feather-plumed chandeliers and frozen cocktails, and that’s not nothing. Not to mention, only the rack of agave lime ribs and a whole (delicious) chicken adobo cost more than 15 bucks. And they both come with grilled tortillas. This is a not-boring Latin lunch or dinner option that you’ll probably want to return to, again and again. In contrast with the well-manicured, fenced-in lawns in the neighborhood, Birdcage’s decor is bizarre, bordering on garish. The feather-dressed chandeliers, birdcage lighting fixtures, and giant wallpapered accent wall are admittedly a lot (the theme is birds, we get it). But it’s a nice change of pace when you're looking for lively food in a lively enough space. And it’s rarely over-crowded—we’ve never seen the bar here four-deep waiting for strawberry margaritas—so you can walk right in without a wait. photo credit: Liz Attaway Come here with people who get excited to eat because the food is the main attraction, and you’re going to want to order family-style. Start with the small stuff. Hopefully a few starters, but consider the black bean croquettes dipped in whipped queso fresco—it’s non-negotiable. Then, that whole chicken should be on your table along with the array of six sauces that help charred, citrusy meat pop a little more. There are plenty of solid Latin spots in Atlanta, like Alma Cocina and Alta Toro, but this flamboyant spot in Grant Park is a realistic addition to your regular dinner roster because it's top-notch without being top dollar. Food Rundown Black Bean Croquettes If you only order one starter, it should be this. These three fried little balls filled with whole black beans are good on their own. But they’re better with a heaping portion of the queso fresco that’s whipped into the consistency of cottage cheese. Sweet Potato Bravas Little cubes of sweet potatoes with a crispy exterior. What’s not to love? Michelada Shrimp Cocktail This starter will spice things up. Served in a glass with a spoon, it’s a cold seafood cornucopia. Tiny shrimp, avocado chunks, and the zesty Michelada mix wind up being surprisingly filling. The saltines are necessary when your mouth fires up. photo credit: Liz Attaway Adobo Chicken Get a whole bird if you’re splitting this with the table, but a half is also an option. The adobo seasoning is well-balanced, so it's the perfect vessel to dunk into the array of six sauces (for $5). The cilantro cream is our favorite. In case the mention of a whole chicken didn’t register, a meal here should really be eaten with a few friends who don’t mind double dipping. photo credit: Liz Attaway Red Chicken Tacos Moist, shredded chicken tinga fills up flour tortillas that have been smooched by the griddle. It’s served with a rich consommé that we spooned into our mouths when we ran out of food. Agave Lime Ribs Chicken is our first choice here. But if you and chicken don’t jive, the whole or half rack of ribs is a worthy alternative. The meat falls off the bone with one poke from a fork prong, and the sweet agave lime sauce makes the kind of mess we actually enjoy cleaning up. photo credit: Liz Attaway Sofrito Squash If you love smoky, fire-roasted food, this one's for you. And if you don't, this sofrito squash will change your mind. It’s topped with queso fresco crumbles and crunchy pepitas to help balance things out for any mushy-texture-haters. Frozen Cocktails These frozen concoctions rotate. But don't pass them up, no matter what they’re offering. Especially since they’re happy to mix the drinks together. A sip of a strawberry margarita and piña colada swirled into one glass tricks us into thinking we’re on a beach vacation." - Juli Horsford
"The team behind Firepit Pizza Tavern is opening a new Grant Park spot. Birdcage will feature a Latin menu with dishes like red chicken tacos and chile lime street corn. Expect an aviary-themed decor and a casual atmosphere. " - nina reeder, juli horsford
