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The Cafe at Books & Books: Restaurant Reviews

265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134-5008
305-448-9599
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Ranked #54 of 217 restaurants in Coral Gables
Cuisines: Coffee Shop
Good for: Large groups, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch
Restaurant details
Good for: Large groups, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch
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23 reviews from our community

73% Recommend
    5
    12
    4
    2
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
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Coral Gables, FL
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
“Usually fast, great before Coral Gables Art Cinema”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed November 4, 2012

I have eaten here often. Its a nice menu, not a large selection but what they have is well made. It's easy for me to get a few gluten-free items like salads. They are able to modify dishes to suit my diet by leaving off gluten-containing items. I've never gotten sick from gluten contamination here. And of course, you can't go wrong being surrounded by books! If you are eating before seeing a film at the cinema across the street, strongly recommend that you tell the server at the outset. We've had two frustrating experiences where the kitchen really seemed to dawdle (the cafe was nowhere near packed) and we had to rush to finish our food to get to our film. But overall, they are fast, delicious and affordable.

Visited October 2012
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Fort Lauderdale FL
Top Contributor
128 reviews 128 reviews
98 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
55 helpful votes 55 helpful votes
“Service ruins a magical place”
2 of 5 stars Reviewed October 12, 2012

Been going to Books & Books in the Gables for almost 25 years. Loved the old location but this one plus the new Miami Beach digs are handsome.

Of over 100 reviews I've written, this is one of the worst. I've eaten here successfully and enjoyably a number of times. There are worse things than eating among books :). The last THREE times I have been here, service has been non-existent. Last week I simply left after finally receiving a menu then being left to wait for over 10 minutes without a flicker of acknowledgement. This is unacceptable, even in Miami where service is lackadaisical at times. My food review is based on previous visits. The Cafe at Books & Books is a profound disappointment when compared to the fine store it is located in.

    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 1 of 5 stars Service
    • 3 of 5 stars Food
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Coral Gables, Florida
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Cozy gathering spot”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed September 13, 2012

My husband and I usually stop by this cafe before going elsewhere for dinner although we have eaten dinner here a couple of times. The food is good but the best thing about this place is the ambience. This is more than a typical bookstore cafe. They play music in the outdoor courtyard every Friday and Saturday (unless it rains) and they have a good selection of beers and wines. We like to browse the books and then sit at the bar chatting with the owner and bartender. They have a fairly large group of repeat customers. It is also a great place to go to before or after movies at the art-house cinema across the street.

  • Visited September 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
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See 12 more reviews by Kim H for Coral Gables
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Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
30 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
22 helpful votes 22 helpful votes
“Yummy!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed July 8, 2012

great Coffe pastries and books. What more could you ask for. must visit.

Visited May 2012
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Miami, Florida
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Always a good experience”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 29, 2012

Delicious, creative food, with a fusion of the Miami cultures.
Great simple variety of dishes and always great service,

Visited May 2012
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