Few people would argue that room service is one of the greatest joys of the First World. And Room Service Restaurant Lounge aims to bottle that boozing-in-a-bathrobe feeling and sell it for a pretty penny on South Beach.
Designed to mimic a sleek, modern five-star resort, the new establishment offers guests a chance to immerse themselves in the hotel experience. There's everything from "check-in" to "maid service."
Neon lights, sleek loungers, and sheer floor-length curtains fill the rooms of this mod new Washington Avenue spot, which moved into the space formerly occupied by B.E.D.
"What inspired this concept was the need for amazing service in Miami. [Co-owner] Richard [Ford] and I wanted to bring five-star service, dining, and nightlife back to South Beach," co-owner Tamara Young says.
And just like real room service, the prices aren't cheap. Signature cocktails cost $17 and include concoctions such as the Wake Up Call (Bacardi Dragon Berry rum, fresh lemon juice, and strawberries) and the White Linen (Cîroc Coconut, St Germain, Dragon Berry rum, pineapple juice, and half-and-half).
The venue also offers punch bowls -- giant cocktails that serve up to six guests. They range from $150 to $200 and include the Mini Bar, a combo of Grey Goose, Grey Goose La'Poir, Grey Goose Orange, Grey Goose Citron, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, white grapefruit juice, and strawberries.
During dinner service, guests "check in" and are escorted by the "bellman" to their private "suite" (which includes a personal flat-screen TV set). A "butler" then delivers the menu, which is billed as American cuisine with a Latin flair.
The lineup includes small and large plates, salads, and sides such as lobby sliders (top sirloin, pork, and veal with prosciutto strips and provolone), a VIP shrimp and crab martini (marinated shrimp, crabmeat, garlic lemon aioli, and pico), and lamb lollipops (marinated lamb with roasted potatoes and mint demi-glace). Large plates run $12 to $49.
Then, at 11 p.m., the restaurant embraces its late-night identity as a lounge, complete with a DJ and servers dressed as French maids.
In addition to regular dining and late-night libations, Room Service also offers an "Early Check-In" weekday happy hour from 6 to 8 p.m., when prices are determined by your arrival time, as well as a "Night Cap" midnight menu featuring small plates and cocktails. Oh, and there's bottle service, natch.
Whether the place will capture that pampered hotel feel has yet to be seen, but one thing is for sure: With this kind of room service, you should probably get decked out in more than a bathrobe.
Room Service Restaurant Lounge is located at 929 Washington Avenue in Miami Beach and opened to the public September 28. Dinner hours are Monday through Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.; lounge hours are Monday through Thursday beginning at 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. You can find Room Service on Facebook and Twitter.
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