Birdcage is another one of those restaurants in Belfast that I’ve walked past numerous times but never actually managed to make it in through the door, so when we were invited down to try out their new Stay Bar menu last week I jumped at the chance to sample the Stranmillis restaurant’s wares.
The first point to mention is that the decor is really really interesting: there’s a serious Spanish/Mexican influence here with the Day of the Dead murals (painted by barman Marco), sugar skulls and little Timanfiya Devils dotted around the place, but it’s not cluttered or kitsch, there’s a nice balance of trinkets and it’s interesting to look at while you’re having a drink, rather than busy or too much.
Another thing that struck me immediately was that the staff were all unbelievably friendly, helpful and always on hand to offer a recommendation, tip or piece of information – a trait that I really love to see in the service industry and something that I think adds to the whole experience of going out for a meal or a few drinks.
Known for its funky decor and delicious chicken, Birdcage is the ideal spot for a quick drink, a long brunch or a catch up dinner with friends, and the Stay Bar menu is a unique take on Spanish tapas that is perfect for a speedy pre-theatre munch or a drawn out evening meal.
The idea is that you sit down at the bar and order a few small plates or a few pecks to share (there’s a definite bird theme here) and maybe a few cocktails to help you on your way, and that’s exactly what we did.
From the small plates section we sampled the hummus & munch bread; salt & pepper chilli squid with soy, lime and chilli dipping sauce; and the chorizo in red wine & thyme. All were delicious, but the true winner for me was the squid which was tender and the dipping sauce complimented it perfectly. Personally I’m not a big fish eater, but this was the ideal way to try squid for the first time.
From the pecks section we tried the baked flat bread with rocket, 3 cheeses, avocado drizzled with fusion slaw dressing, which was surprisingly filling for just two people, and the 6 rack ribs marinated in honey & Sriracha. After tasting Birdcage’s wings at the Yelp Belfast Wing-Off a few months ago, I was really looking forward to tasting their ribs and they did not disappoint. Not just your standard BBQ ribs, these are something different. After being slow cooked for over 24 hours, the meat just fell off the bone and the marinade was dry rather than a sauce which I prefer.
For dessert we were served homemade sambuca and ginger ice-cream (on a cone!) which was the perfect palate cleanser to such a varied meal – not too much alcohol and just the right amount of sweetness.
Over the course of a few hours, we thought it would be rude not to try out some of Birdcage’s cocktails as they have a rather extensive list and if you’re a cocktail connoisseur you can have a look at it here. I had a Pink Fizz Bomb which I was assured is a favourite at Birdcage, and with prosecco, lemon cello and cranberry I could taste why. The barman Marco told us about the cocktail’s Italian influences and why he thought the ingredients worked well together – everyday’s a school day. I can also recommend the passionfruit inspired Porn Star Martini, and the Espresso Martini which really goes down a treat at the end of a meal (think alcoholic frappuccino). My girlfriend who is somewhat of a frozen daiquiri enthusiast also declared their frozen strawberry daiquiri one of the best she’s ever tasted. So take from that what you will.
I know it sounds like I’m gushing, but I really can’t get over this little gem of a restaurant and I’m kicking myself that I hadn’t managed to discover it sooner. The Stay Bar menu is a great way to have a casual bite to eat on your own terms, and the variety is great too, meaning you can try something different each time you visit.
However, the real star of the show has to be the cocktails; I find that more often than not cocktails sound great on paper, but don’t taste anywhere near as good in the flesh, at Birdcage they are made with passion and creativity, and are absolutely worth every penny.
We sampled the Stay Bar menu which you can see here, or you can check out all of Birdcage’s menus here.
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