Lunch With Live Flamingos at Jungle Island

If you look at any TV or movie depiction of Miami Beach, you'll probably see flamingos. Those delightful pink creatures seem to turn up in everyone's dream vision of Miami. But when was the last time you actually saw a real, live flamingo? Wouldn't seeing a flock of these birds during your lunchtime make all your troubles fly far, far away?


If you're craving lunch with a side of flamingos, you might want to check out Island Burger. Jungle Island recently opened this lunch spot, where you can enjoy burgers and hot dogs, along with views of a waterfall and the park's resident flamingo flock. 

Island Burger is located adjacent to Jungle Island, and you don't have to enter the park (or buy a ticket) to enjoy the family-friendly fare. In addition, parking costs $5 for sit-down guests and is free for the first 30 minutes if you're picking up a to-go order. A half-hour, by the way, is plenty of time to order food and get a little flamingo-watching action in on the side.

The restaurant, which features indoor and outdoor seating and menu items such as the Island burger, with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, dill pickle, and "jungle" sauce ($11); a Cuban burger, with ham, bacon, Swiss, pickles, and Dijonnaise ($13); and the Sunrise burger, with bacon, hash browns, a fried egg, and maple syrup ($14).

Other items include the Coney dog, with house-made chili and American cheese ($10); a veggie burger with Swiss, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and jungle sauce ($11); and chicken cordon bleu, with ham, lettuce, tomato, and Swiss ($13). 

Christopher Gould, Jungle Island's general manager, says, "A quick stop at Jungle Island allows residents and business professionals to take a breather and enjoy tasty burgers grilled to perfection." What he really means is that everyone needs a flamingo sighting or two in their humdrum existence. Adding some burgers is just icing on the cake. 

Island Burger at Jungle Island is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flamingo-watching is free with every lunch.