Q&A: Bey_Bey: Sunset Harbor’s Sizzling New Hotspot

Sam Baum, Michael Dolatowski, & Tiger Saliba

Miami Beach, FL – April 30, 2024 – Tucked in Miami Beach’s Sunset Harbour neighborhood, Bey_Bey is a restaurant and lounge designed to feel like a home. Serving contemporary cuisine from award winning Chef Geoff Lee and regional takes on classic cocktails inspired by their roots in Beirut, as well as an extensive collection of unique and rare wines, Bey_Bey has quickly become the talk of the town in Miami. The venue offers multiple spaces that compliment a dynamic evening’s needs, including an eclectic, art-strewn dining room, outdoor garden for meals al fresco, and chic social lounge to enjoy cocktails while vibing to an expertly curated soundtrack by Chloe Caillet. With a nightly transition from Sunset Happy Hour to proper dinner service to intimate social lounge, Bey_Bey was created with the lifestyle of this special part of South Beach and its residents in mind.   “Bey_Bey is short for the Lebanese version of ‘mi casa es tu casa’: Beyte Beytak,” shares Tiger Saliba, co-owner of Bey_Bey. “Hosting is central to Middle Eastern and Miami cultures, and we want to express the warmth of being welcomed into a home. You can also spell Beirut as ‘Beyrouth’ — plus we are Biscayne Bay, so it’s a triple entendre!”

WRE: What’s the inspiration behind the name and concept of Bey_Bey? 

Tiger Saliba: Bey_Bey is short for the Lebanese version of “mi casa es tu casa” Beyte Beytak. Hosting is central to Middle Eastern and Miami cultures, and we want to express the warmth of being welcomed into a home. You can also spell Beirut “Beyrouth”, plus we are Biscayne Bay, so it’s a triple entendre!

Tiger Saliba, Michael Dolatowski, & Sam Baum

 Bey_Bey is short for the Lebanese version of “mi casa es tu casa” Beyte Beytak.

Tiger Saliba

WRE: Why did you choose Sunset Harbor for BeyBey’s location? 

Sam Baum: Sunset Harbour is one of the best neighborhoods in the city, period. It is a true Miami Beach local experience, lively and eccentric but more low-key and apart from the heavy tourist areas.

WRE: Tell us about Bey_Bey’s transition from daytime to evening and the unique experiences offered during each meal period? 

TS: We open everyday at five for Happy Hour so you can enjoy the setting sun in our garden and roll right into dinner which is all about the amazing food, inspired by the contemporary takes on Middle Eastern dishes Beirut is famous for. As the night progresses the focus shifts to our cocktails, wines, and socializing. People who live on Miami Beach like to mix it up, so we wanted to provide a place that fits all their needs.

Sam Baum, Michael Dolatowski, & Tiger Saliba

Sunset Harbour is one of the best neighborhoods in the city, period. It is a true Miami Beach local experience, lively and eccentric but more low-key and apart from the heavy tourist areas.

 Sam Baum

Sam Baum

WRE: How does Bey_Bey engage with the local residents and community? 

SB: With the deep relationships of Caity Apperson, Rudolph Budja and Mariabella Granocchia, we are VERY connected. We are planning to host gatherings and classes with OCISLY ceramics, Grape Crush wine tastings, Raw Figs drawing, Tech Happy Hour, Soho House Foodie Club, and more. We are really just a place to get together.

Tiger Saliba

We open everyday at five for Happy Hour so you can enjoy the setting sun in our garden and roll right into dinner which is all about the amazing food, inspired by the contemporary takes on Middle Eastern dishes Beirut is famous for.

Tiger Saliba

WRE: What are some must-try dishes and signature drinks on Bey_Bey’s menu? 

TS: The menu is familiar dishes prepared with the techniques or flavors from Beirut. There’s really nothing that’s not great and Chef has the freedom to change things seasonally or just play with new ideas, but my favorites are the zucchini blossom with chevre, fig and truffle honey, the scallop crudo with “popcorn” middle eastern grain freekeh and apple, and the labneh “cheesecake” which is so light and delicious we sell it to go! My mom came over from Lebanon with a bag of spices and spent a week in the kitchen teaching Chef all about our food traditions. Our Happy Hour burger and shawarma are also so delicious and satisfying.

SB: Head of bar Daniel Gambaro has created such a fine cocktail menu, staying true to classic cocktails while adding subtle, clever twists. Plus we offer Super Good Lager from Off-Site, one of Miami’s best local beers.

WRE: Are there any special events or programming at Bey_Bey that diners should be aware of? 

TS: Our Purple Sunday Brunch brings a new, fun option for the weekends and a series of guest chef collaboration dinners are on the way.

SB: We will also be highlighting the rich but little known history of Lebanese/Mexican cuisine, which is where Al Pastor tacos come from, as well as a dedicated weekly cigar night. It’s all going to be a lot of fun.

WRE: Describe Bey_Bey’s aesthetic and key design elements?

SB: Miami Beach and Beirut are both international, coastal cities, so we explore that. Custom breeze blocks, terrazzo and oolite, arched doorways, hand blown glass, our central garden and fountain all bring together references from both places. It was really a team effort, working with interior architect Michael Dolatowski and creative agency Sun & Sons to push the concept to be as interesting, fun, and singular as possible.