Dirty Birds Tiki Bar & Grill opened in Cocoa Beach on March 15, adding a new option to the area’s food scene. The restaurant is located at 221 S Atlantic Ave, across from the Cocoa Beach Pier. Co-owners Sarah Mitchell and James Carter said the menu focuses on bold flavors with a tiki twist. Dishes include jerk chicken, coconut-malt beer, and a tropical fruit platter. The space features palm trees, neon signs, and a bar with bamboo accents.
The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily. Mitchell said the idea came from their travels to Hawaii and the Florida Keys. ‘We wanted to bring that island vibe to the Space Coast,’ she said. The menu also includes tiki-style cocktails like the ‘Dirty Bird’ — a rum-based drink with pineapple and coconut.
The restaurant has a patio with views of the ocean. It’s one of several new businesses in Cocoa Beach this year. The area has seen a rise in food and drink options, including a craft brewery that opened in February.
Carter said the goal is to serve fresh, locally sourced ingredients. ‘We’re using fish from nearby docks and produce from local farms,’ he said. The restaurant employs 20 people, many of whom are from Cocoa Beach.
The owners plan to host live music on weekends. They also offer takeout and delivery through third-party apps. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends.