Brew Babies Garden Bistro in Cape Coral, Florida--A Restaurant Review

Located at 1520 Lafayette Street in downtown Cape Coral, Florida, Brew Babies occupies what used to be a fourplex set of buildings. Attached with a beautiful courtyard between the two buildings, Brew Babies just might provide the most interesting restaurant setting in all of Cape Coral. Brew Babies is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. for lunch and dinner.

Dining Experience at Brew Babies Garden Bistro in Cape Coral, Florida

The party of two walked under the brick archway into the beautiful courtyard filled with dining tables and chairs, ferns and plantings everywhere. Garden statues and assorted outdoor garden paraphernalia were just the right touches for the courtyard. Arrival was at 5:00 p.m. on a weekday. The party chose to eat indoors and was led into the main dining house through French doors. Drink orders were taken and served right away with dinner orders given soon after.

Delicious hot bread with olive oil and seasonings were brought with the salad that was shared. Fresh spinach with Gorgonzola, fresh pickled beets, sliced hearts of palm, and red onion made the perfect salad. Topped with balsamic dressing, it was scrumptious.

Wait staff were incredibly attentive, checking back every 15 minutes or so. Dinner was served in a timely manner; about 25 minutes after salads were eaten. The man ordered Cranberry Thai Cod. It was described on Brew Babies' menu as, "pan seared, and crusted with toasted walnuts, then finished with a sweet and spicy chili sauce." Brown rice and the vegetables du jour, steamed zucchini and squash with carrots were accompaniments.

The lady ordered Cedar Plank Salmon, described on the menu as, "served with our Mediterranean couscous and blackberry glaze." However, couscous and blackberry glaze were not served with the Salmon. Instead, a cannelloni white bean salad was brought. Also, the same accompaniments were served to the lady as the man's (brown rice and zucchini, squash and carrots). The dinner plates looked lovely and smelled fantastic upon arrival to the table.

The food was hot when served. The Cranberry Thai Cod was tasty with just the right balance of sweet and spicy. An exotic dish for sure, stewed cranberries covered the plate, bringing a beautiful splash of color and flavor to the dinner.

The Cedar Plank Salmon was covered with herb seasonings and cooked all the way through, rather than seared, as ordered. This salmon was juicy and not overcooked like so much fish ordered these days. The cannelloni bean salad was interesting with a subdued taste which paired rather nicely with the salmon. The brown rice was rich, nutty and sumptuous. The fresh steamed zucchini and squash with carrots were a nice surprise as they were steamed perfectly to crisp tender. Fresh and flavorful, these vegetables were the right complement to both dinners.

Portion sizes were average--not too large which so many restaurants have fallen victim to. Plates were cleaned and both diners were satiated by, not only the amount of food, but the interesting flavors and textures as well. Dessert was declined.

The Décor and Atmosphere at Brew Babies in Cape Coral, Florida

The décor and atmosphere of Brew Babies in Cape Coral, Florida was relaxing and really quite lovely. Antique-filled "twin" buildings provide dining, a bar lounge and kitchen room for Brew Babies to cook up lunches and dinners. The dining building has several rooms filled with dining tables and chairs. Contemporary jazz plays on the stereo. Harry Connick and Michael Buble serenade you as you dine. Some evenings, however, live music is played by various local jazz groups.

Holding a piano and a cello, along with stereo equipment, the main dining room held tables of various sizes. The walls, painted a warm tan, were covered with paintings of al fresco dining scenes. The high ceilings gave the room a feeling of being outdoors. Smaller rooms led from the main dining room and provided more intimate areas for dining. The setting in all the dining areas was romantic and provided beautiful sights to enjoy, such as paintings stained glass, antique furniture and the like.

The bar area is found in the second of the two buildings that encompasses Brew Babies. The bar is lovely. Over-stuffed comfy chairs are scattered about with a smaller room off to the side holding a sofa, low tables for drinks and snacks and more over-stuffed chairs. This bar would be just the place to meet old friends, have a few drinks and chat away the night while listening to some of the best jazz around.

Menu Offerings at Brew Babies in Cape Coral, Florida

The waitress mentioned that Brew Babies' menu changes daily. Although the offerings at dinner are limited, the variety of entrees includes shellfish, seafood, pork, sirloin, filet mignon, lamb, and duck. Discerning foodies will most likely spot an exotic dish they want to try. Prices for entrees range from $12 to 34 each.

Appetizers on the menu, referred to as "starters" include a Cheese Plate, Pan Seared Jumbo Scallops, Grilled Flatbread Pizza, and Warm Artichoke Heart and Spinach Dip, among others. Prices for the starters range from $10 to $15. Salads and soups on the menu are limited but sound delicious. The soup of the day was Tomato Basil Cream Bisque. Choices of salad are Spinach Salad, Mixed Green Salad, and Large Salad which can be ordered with either chicken or grilled salmon.

Cost of Meal for Two at Brew Babies in Cape Coral, Florida

Including tip, the meal for two was $77.00. No alcohol or desserts were ordered.

Rating of the Dining Experience at Brew Babies in Cape Coral, Florida

This restaurant experience in Cape Coral, FL is rated 4-1/2 out of 5 stars. Even though Brew Babies is a little pricey, the food is better than average and the atmosphere can't be beat. Reservations are recommended.

Sources

Brew Babies Garden Bistro Menu.

Brew Babies Garden Bistro website.

Personal Communication with Brew Babies Garden Bistro Wait Staff, Bonnie.

Personal experience.