Icebox Cafe in Miami Beach, Florida

Just shy of my blog’s first anniversary, I went out of my comfort zone and made the trek to Miami Beach for Icebox Cafe. I didn’t necessarily fancy most of what was on the menu, but the Kobe Burger caught my eye.

Icebox Cafe sign
The Original Icebox Cafe sign in Miami Beach

This Icebox Cafe restaurant would relocate to 1855 Purdy Avenue a few years after my initial post in 2009. They now have a second location in Hallandale Beach and a couple of concession stands at Miami International Airport.

Here’s a side note which I never mentioned in my original post, Oprah named Icebox Cafe the best cake in the U.S. in 2006. It’s how they appeared on my food radar initially.

Original Icebox Cafe Post on Burger Beast

September 1st, 2009Should you be gluttonous in front of someone you barely know? (this my Sex and the City type intro).

I met Burger Beast reader Brandon and his girlfriend Laura at Icebox Cafe on South Beach for some late lunch. I got there a little early, so I ordered some water to tide me over (plus, it was ridiculously hot outside that day, and I was finally indoors).

After introductions, we discussed food and what drives me to write the blog. Something that always comes up in conversation, and why burgers?

Icebox Cafe Tuna Melt
Icebox Cafe Tuna Melt
Spaghetti
Spaghetti with meatballs

We look over the menu and make our moves. Laura orders the Tuna Melt Sandwich, while Brandon goes with their pasta dish of the day (spaghetti and meatballs). I order their Kobe Burger (with gouda cheese & onions on a ciabatta roll).

While both Laura and Brandon liked their food, I loved my burger. It took me a little bit to place what the burger reminded me of. The charring of the meat and its seasoning was very reminiscent of Al Carbon near Coral Gables.

Icebox Cafe Burger
Kobe Burger with gouda cheese & onions

Dessert Time

IceBox Cafe Chocolate Cake
IceBox Cafe Chocolate Cake

Laura orders a chocolate cake, which she shares with Brandon. Just as she was about to slice into it, Brandon stopped her so I could take the pic. I order the brownie cheesecake.

They enjoyed their cake while I was amazed at how good Icebox Cafe’s brownie and cheesecake combo were. Alright, maybe not amazed; both things separately are great, so I should not have been surprised.

Icebox Cafe Brownie Cheesecake
Icebox Cafe Brownie Cheesecake

At the same time, I didn’t overdo it, which I normally do in most places. The options for my favorite comfort food were limited here. It might have been a good thing.

Who wants the meat sweats with people you just met while eating? Ooohh..ooohhhh….I do….I do!!!!

Yeah, right.

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