Birdcage

Great service, AMAZING cocktails, alcohol added added at the table while you watch!
The chicken wings are a must!

Birdcage is one of my all time favourite places to eat in Belfast! The food is gorgeous with many options. It’s quite heavy on the chicken hence the name but they more or less have something for everyone! I could really only fault them on the chips as a side they aren’t great but they have so many other delicious sides like potato croquettes and Mac and cheese that it can be over looked!
My favourite dish is the half butter milk fried chicken. You certainly won’t go home hungry here! The staff are super attentive but not over baring and it’s got a really casual atmosphere in here! They have your usual cocktail menu and then a few extra home editions and from what I’ve tasted they have been lovely! They also have these huge jam jar lemonade concoction things with lots of fruits and things in them. These can be Virgin or you can opt to have the bar staff add and shot (or two) of whatever spirit you want! Lovely !!!
It’s extremely child friendly and many times I’ve been in there has been some sort of Wee pArty going on with many kids. The staff seem to handle these brilliantly!
I can’t finish this review without mentioned their amazing Brunch option! I can’t think of any where else in Belfast that you can get dishes like this or anywhere that even acknowledges brunch as a thing! Definatly try the Boozy mushrooms on toast! You won’t regret it !!

Visited here tonight for the first time and it didn’t live up to my expectations. I was a bit disappointed.
It wasn’t that the food wasn’t good because it really was delicious, but there wasn’t much to choose from. I think the menu that we were given tonight was maybe a condensed menu as I have seen so many pics of lovely looking food here that simply was not on offer, there wasn’t much choice at all sadly. There was a full tapas menu on the back of the drinks menu that says «available mon-​sat 11am-​10pm» but the waiter told us this wasn’t on tonight (Thurs 7pm)?!
The credit/​card machine was out of order. The tables reminded me of school dinner benches and awful chairs, not comfy and didn’t make us want to stay on for a few drinks.
All this aside, the meals we did pick were cooked and served perfectly and very reasonably priced too. It was just a shame there wasn’t a full menu to select from.

Had been here few years ago.
But it has changed lots since then. Menu is way way better. Lots of choice.
I was there for brunch. Although bit disappointed to eat they had sold out of the hash I had wanted to try. Opted for their version of a fry instead. The black pudding was lovely. Tasted quite like stuffing.
Menu was good as it ranges from brunch to burgers to salas to brunch cocktails.
Love the setting. Lots of arts and fancies about. There was also Mexican music playing.
Staff where nice.
Had to reduce by one star as this is the second time I have been in and they had ran out of a particular food that I wanted to order.

I hate to do this but Birdcage lost a star in my eyes after a recent experience: 10 minutes after sitting in I had to ask for a drink menu even though we were the only guests, no frozen cocktails because the «machine is not working» and limited menu because the «butcher didn’t come». Was probably not their best decision to open on Boxing day.

I’ve been to birdcage a few times and it tends to be hit or miss, however last Sunday it was certainly a hit! We called in late afternoon and thankfully they had a table, as it turns out shortly after they were fully booked for the rest of the night. This was possibly due to the live jazz music they have on a Sunday evening.
Great relaxed vibe as always with class day of the dead décor. They also have a new bar to accommodate more seating and a new range of cocktails. I will be back to sample these.
We shared the nachos, which were huge and plenty between 2, and I had the chicken Caesar salad as my main, adding the «chicken crunches.»
Their menu is extensive and with so much choice it’s hard to choose what to pick.
Summer or winter birdcage is lovely to go to, their outdoor area is lovely to sit around on a summer evening, and they have heaters and rugs to keep cosy.

I really like birdcage, probably more for the setting than the food. The food is very good, but I just find it hard to get excited about chicken. The nachos though. Top drawer!
I love the Décor and feel of the place, the day of the dead paintings etc. And the service is always good.
They also have a great cocktail list.

After attending the Unilocal secret supper event I decided to have my birthday here the following Saturday. Have to say what an amazing decision. We had a table booked for 2pm and most of us arrived. We ordered some Jam Jar cocktails (I tasted a bit of every flavour and they are all delicious) and a few nibbles as we had a few people running late. The home made humus, Soy and ginger chicken wings and nachos were as good, if not better than I had at the Unilocal event. Superb way to kick off the appetite. Our late comers arrived and we ordered the mains… and more cocktails. I went for the tiger prawn taco’s with a side of sweet potato fries. Again perfect, the taste was great and sweet potato fries were like little crisps. Have to say though after tasting the mac n cheese side I’m raging I didn’t order it. I coulda have just eaten that it was so good!
After food we had more cocktails both the jam jar and the ordinary variety, before relocating to the bar. We then spent another few hours there drinking and torturing Marco the barman, who was a complete gem. The whole experience was brilliant and I’d give 6 stars if I could. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful, the food and drink was excellent and the place itself is a brilliant mix of comfortable and trendy.
The Unilocal event was my first time there, and I am glad it got me there. I can definitely see myself becoming a regular! Overall I recommend completely for anyone. Go try it out if you haven’t.

I was at the birdcage around 7 months ago and was unimpressed with the food. I visited again this Tuesday and I loved the new menu. The food was tapas, salted chilli squid, prawns, seasome soy ribs, tempura vegetable and 4 chesse flat bread. I was left stuffed and delighted with the food. We finished with sambucca and ginger icecream which was surprisingly nice! I had a great night and the service was fast and helpful. I has a taste of many of the cocktails and thought the birdcage has made an amazing turn around compared to my last visit. I will be back for more cocktails and tapas pretty soon! This place is great for large groups who want nibble food and cocktails! The birdcage deserves the 5 stars I have given it. I’m very impressed!

Recently ate here for the first time for the elite ’15 secret supper. no qualms about saying it was fantastic!!! Seriously!
It has a really cool vibe about it, with sugar skulls, cool murals, trendy seating etc, so looks pretty cool
The food was delicious… they were debuting their menu that is like a tapas style, so that when you’re having a drink (or several) you can order light bites I absolutely looooooooved the calamari… greatness! Also loved with equal devotion the ribs (succulent & tender) the vegetable tempura (crispy & gorgeous) and the flat bread with rocket, guacamole & feta. I could go on, but I’d run the risk of writing a novel lol!
The cocktails were out of this world! We were treated to an ‘ageing rockstar’ made from jack Daniels… was warming and delicious! Margaritas went down a treat too! Also tried their toffee appletini… mmmmmmmmm!
The staff were very helpful, accommodating and couldn’t do enough for us!
Lydia sat down with me & went over the kiddies menu etc after telling her I wanted to bring the little people she was so helpful!
All in all… I’m busting to go back… and if you haven’t been, then go! For real. right now. why are you still reading? Order the taxi, grab your coat and go lol!

When it comes to tapas I always thought 2taps was the tapas king of Belfast… Well move over 2taps the Birdcage now wears the throne!
I was here recently at a Unilocal event and the night was absolutely amazing! Firstly the food which was out of this world, such a huge varity as each dish was packed with taste and flavour! Especially the buffalo wings. Too often wings are fairly small and not enough meat to them, not these, these are huge! The homemade blue cheese dip was beautiful!
The drink (cocktails) were top class! The margarita was out of this world and they do a special with these on a Monday night, see attached picture. I also tried the ageing rockstar coctail which was very tatsy! I would recommend either two of these.
The staff were very professional, friendly and helpful. They could not do enough for their customers and were constantly checking that everyone had what they needed, more drinks etc. Really good customer service in my eyes as there is nothing worse than being forgotten about.
The décor is unlike anywhere else you will find in the city, funky, fresh and stylish! I highly recommend you visit here if you have not already. p. s there is a check in offer through Unilocal which is 4 beers and a portion of buffalo wings for £20, Bargain!
I will definitely be back (and using the check in offer)

Cannot recommend Birdcage highly enough. I tried out their new Stay Bar menu (non-​Spanish tapas) and was blown away. Loads of variety and a great price for the quality and creativeness of the dishes. I recommend the 48 hour slow cooked ribs and the calamari (my first time trying it!)
The staff are some of the friendliest around (shout out to barman Marco who did all the artwork too) and the cocktails are hands down the best in Belfast. The espresso martini, pink fizz bomb and frozen daquiris are amazing!

Last Saturday I was invited down to sample the new «Stay Bar» menu at Birdcage in Stranmillis. I’d been to the restaurant a number of times a few years ago but not recently, so was looking forward to seeing how it had changed.
The idea of the «Stay Bar» menu is… well, you literally stay at the bar! It’s a chance to meet with friends, drink cocktails and nibble at some light bites, without having to go for a big meal! Think a mid-​week catch up or a bite to eat after the theatre or cinema.
The menu is filled with tapas-​style dishes, known as «small plates» and «pecks», ranging from £3 to £7.95. Having previously lived in Spain, I’ve always loved tapas so couldn’t wait to get stuck in once I saw the extensive menu.
Firstly from the small plates, we sampled the vegetable tempura which came with a soy, lime and chilli dipping sauce followed by the chorizo soaked in red wine and thyme. We also sampled the whitebait with homemade tartar dunk and fresh lemon. I have to admit I’m not a huge fan of fish so only tried a small bit of whitebait but the other 2 dishes were delicious, particularly the chorizo. The red wine really complemented the spicy, smoky flavours of the chorizo. The small plates cost £3 each or 3 for £8 and 5 for £13.
We then moved on to the «pecks». Firstly we tried the arancini chorizo and thyme risotto balls (£5.95). These were two large arancini balls served with the most amazing burnt lemon and whipped feta dip. I can’t rave enough about the dip (I think I did about three times to the owner!)
We then tried the nachos, which came with melted cheese, jalapenos, guacamole, salsa and sour cream. For their price (£5.95), the plate was huge and it really is enough for a tasty, filling snack.
We then moved on to two further ‘pecks’- the ½ dozen chicken wings (£5.95) and the baked flat bread (£7.95), which was topped with rocket, 3 cheeses and avocado. Again, top marks for both and very filling as a light bite.
As if that wasn’t enough, we were then treated to icecream for dessert; but not just ordinary vanilla– Prosecco and ginger, no less! Beautiful!
We washed down the food with cocktails from their large cocktail list (16 to be precise.) I picked the Bramble, which is gin, blackburrant, lemon and sugar, while Barry chose the Amaretto Sour, which is Amaretto, Angostura Bitters, lemon, egg white and sugar. If I’d been out for the night, I definitely would have had more!
Honestly, we had the best night and the food is top notch. I really enjoy eating out but this is one place I’d go back in a hurry! It has a very cool, laid back vibe about it– somewhere you might see in London or Sydney. Check it out!

Upon attending birdcage for my first time the other night i am pleased to say i will definitely back! Food was beyond 5*and the cocktails looked amazing (such a pity i was driving)
There is soo much to choose from on their new tapas menu and i was quite lucky to try literally everything they have to offer. It arrays from flat bread, to vegetable tempura to salted chilli squid. I was a huge fan of the prawns and the squid and would defo recommend those! Quite frankly you will be more than happy with anything you choose as it was all delicious.
The staff could not have been more attentive if they tried! 100% customer focused and happy to help when we needed anything! They were friendly, down to earth and off great hospitality and for this reason i look forward to my next visit :)

My first visit to Birdcage was for the secret supper event and it was amazing!
I will definitely be back to try more of the fabulous food and use the free cocktail voucher that they very kindly gave us (Will be trying out one of the jar cocktails this time I think).
The flatbread and nachos are stand out dishes on the tapas menu and I cannot recommend them highly enough.
What a wee gem of a place :)

I attended a Unilocal event in Birdcage last night and was so impressed at Birdcages new menu. We got to taste various things from the menu, chicken wings, ribs, prawns, pitta bread pizza, nachos, chorizo and lots more — it was all delicious!
The staff were polite, friendly and attentive. The cocktails were amazing, especially the margaritas! Our experience at birdcage was so good a group of us booked to go again next Saturday!

I used to love Birdcage a couple of years ago and spent many evenings here eating amazing food and downing jam jar cocktails. For a long time this was my favourite restaurant in Belfast and I was annoyed if I didn’t visit at least once a week. Then sadly, I was disappointed with the food and portion sizes on a few visits and stopped going. I reviewed them previously giving them 3 stars as I thought the standard of the food had slipped.
Thus I hadn’t been to Birdcage for a while. However, things have taken a turn for the better and I’m glad to discover Birdcage have now regained their former glory. I visited last night for a Unilocal Secret Supper Event and was amazed. This relaxed restaurant which always had a cool visual style now has some new artwork on the walls, the staff are as fantastically welcoming as always and the huge jam jar cocktails are still great. Even better — the food is back to its phenomenally delicious standard.
I started on hummus with munchbreads and vegetable tempura with soy, lime and chilli dipping sauce. After this I had a mountain of nachos topped with salsa, guacamole and sour cream and a scrumptious flat bread topped with cheese, avocado and rocket. All was beautiful, especially the flatbread, although the nachos were a little too spicy for my taste. Of course I had a few cocktails and indulged in my old favourite — a jam jar cocktail of soda, fresh mint and lime with gin.
The staff were amazing and looked after me extremely well ensuring that as a vegetarian dining with a large party of carnivores I was served the vegetarian options. Both waiting and bar staff constantly checked we were all happy and well topped up with both food and drink. It was a flawless evening.
If I could ask for anything more of Birdcage it would be just for a few more veggie options on their menu so there’s a bit more variety for us vegetarians. Although I loved what I had last night I’ll probably just end up having exactly the same dishes on my return as there’s not a huge range of veggie food on offer.
Nonetheless I’m glad to say Birdcage is back to its previous high standards and deserves a full 5 star rating. I absolutely love this place again and already have a return visit booked next week for a friends birthday.

A brilliant find. Tapas and cocktails to die for. Love the Mexican day is the dead theme.
The staff are so helpful and friendly. There had a friendly atmosphere about the place.
I would recommended the squid, it was devine as were the ribs which melted in the mouth
Cocktails are amazing. 2 for 1 offer in cocktails on a Monday night can’t be beaten

Loved this place!
The birdcage had it all! Funky atmosphere, cool décor, friendly staff, great menu and and wide range of cocktails.
I went to the birdcage on a Saturday night for food and a few drinks and had a hoot! (bird noise intended) We were welcomed at the door and given a good table without a reservation. Looking through the menu and was really stuck for choice as everything sounded great but eventually landed on the chicken wings. The food was delicious and the cocktails were just as good.
Perfectly suited to the younger crowd that likes somewhere with a different feel.

With the big Belfast Wing-​Off coming up I feel it’s my duty to get round as many Wing spots as possible in the City and today I sampled what Birdcage has to offer.
First off, Birdcage is extremely aesthetically pleasing, housed in an old red brick building, the Birdcage décor oozes modern elegance. There’s a large outdoor seating area fully equipped with a canopy and heat lamps making it the perfect place to dine alfresco on the Stranmillis Road. The interior is well decorated with a mix of pop art on the walls and random splashes of colour dotted around. There’s so much to look at that will keep you entertained.
The menu is huge and dominated by chicken (as the name suggests). Today we were presented with bot a lunch menu and a main menu, which made it really difficult to choose. Although this is not a negative at all, I would much prefer too much choice than too little. After scrolling up and down the menu I ended up going for the Chicken and Halloumi Burger (£6.95) and the Buffalo Wings (£5) with a blue cheese dip. The wings were amazing, the buffalo flavouring packed a punch and the meat slid off the bones with ease. Despite being full after eating a burger, chips and 6 wings I still wanted more, not out of hunger but out of gluttony — that’s how good they were. The burger was good but after tasting the unmistakable flavour of the wings it seemed a bit bland. That’s not a slant on the burger at all — more of a hats off to the wings.
The staff were great too — seated and served immediately and given an overall great service. There’s so much on the menu that I think I’ll make a trip back to Birdcage sooner rather than later.