The Café at Books & Books

The place is beautiful, and all the books and sections, very nice!
The food delicious too; but the service is terrible. Attendants are kind but it seems they do not have experience at all. I was unattended for over 2hrs. I would have like to stay longer if service was acceptable.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 1

Great place to browse books and have a coffee. Staff was friendly and very attentive.

Cozy atmosphere, great music and awesome wine cocktails. Raul is an incredible person to know! 100% recommended!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

#1 Favorite spot in Miami ✍️💐💚

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place to go work and after have a couple of wines. Happy hour is too good

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

I wish I had taken more photos and videos of this place—it’s truly special. I went on a Saturday evening with my dog for dessert, and the atmosphere couldn’t have been better. The patio is beautiful, and live jazz starts around 8:30 pm, adding a warm, effortless charm to the entire experience.

Inside, the mood shifts into something quieter and more introspective—people working on their laptops, books lining the space, a calm energy that invites you to stay. The cheesecake I had was heavenly, simple but perfectly done.

What stood out the most, though, was the service. Without me asking, they brought water for my dog, which says everything about the kind of place this is.

If you’re looking for somewhere to spend time alone, unwind, and enjoy a thoughtful, unpretentious atmosphere, this is it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I feel compelled to share this review as a warning for anyone with food allergies. I have visited Books & Books Cafe many times and used their study space. Service is usually slow and inattentive, but last night it was unacceptable. I asked my server if the carrot cake contained nuts due to my allergy. His response was “No, it has chocolate chips.” It arrived to my table very clearly containing nuts, so I asked the person that brought it to me about the nuts and a third person came to my table to help. I asked which nuts were in it (because there are a few I can have) and was told almonds, but it looked like walnuts maybe, so I decided I didn’t feel comfortable eating it and declined the carrot cake. My server returned, didn’t mention the mistake, and asked if I wanted something else. I said no. When I went to pay the bill with a fourth person, the carrot cake was still on it. I explained the situation and was told that the pastries are made somewhere else, so they can’t guarantee any cross-contamination. I understand this and that outsourcing pastries is common practice, but this information should have been provided to me when I first asked about the allergy. The cake was removed from my bill, but no apology or solution was offered. I did not receive an apology from anyone and will not be returning due to safety concerns and a lack of accountability.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

Raul is amazing made one of these best cocktails i have ever had and vide is super chill here totally recommended

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

always a favorite

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

An awesome setting and staff, not yo mention the excellent selection of books!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

best cafe at the best bookstore! had a delicious matcha latte and a freshly-made pastry. Jonah was very helpful and friendly, vibes are immaculate 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I stop by the cafe here every now and then when I'm in the area, and always love the ambience, the food, and the fact that you can browse or buy a book or few (while supporting a family-owned local business).

I had lunch at the bar yesterday, and had a particularly great experience thanks to the bartender Gabriel, who not only provided me with exceptional service, but I watched while he handled what could have been a bad situation with grace and diplomacy beyond what I'm sure I would have been capable of.

A woman came in with a group that was stopping in the area part of a bus tour, and they were trying to get a quick bite. In spite of the woman clearly acting entitled and trying to push to get food out right away, he calmly explained that he didn't want to promise something he couldn't deliver and disappoint her, and that the cafe was full, it's a small kitchen, and the staff in back was already dealing with a 12+ long line of orders in process.

He offered her some solutions like grabbing dessert which was already made etc. but she clearly was just upset that she wasn't getting special treatment and having her unrealistic expectations met. I have no doubt that if he had responded in anything less than the impeccably professional manner that he did, she could have easily caused a ruckus, but instead she and her friends left without further issue once it was clear that it wasn't going to be feasible to get food out in their tight timeframe.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

It’s a very pretty place and I love supporting the bookstore, but the cafe is not great. I ordered an iced matcha and it was all milk—basically a barely even light green color. It wasn’t drinkable and I left the whole drink. I also ordered the labneh starter because I really enjoy labneh, but it was just a few simple cherry tomatoes and the cucumbers had no oil or seasoning. The labneh was very plain and it had extremely little seasoning so it did not pair well with the pita. This was both $30 which I feel was not worth for the quality of the food I had.

It’s a cute place to eat with friends, and I’d get a baked good or sweet treat, but I don’t recommended their starters or drinks.

My friend had a latte that was also all milk. But, her pie was good. The service was also mid as it AT LEAST took 30 minutes every time to come check on us to take our order or get the check.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 1

Service: 2

I consistently have a good experience at this cafe. Day time or night time :)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Would give this 4.5 stars but I'm rounding up because I love bookstore combos. Really nice to get a book and sit down with a drink.

The outdoor furniture was really uncomfortable for a long period but I get that it needs to withstand weather.

If you don't order right away do expect to have to flag down the staff to get their attention.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4