Creative Coastal Culture on the North End

A relaxing oasis awaits on the North End of Long Beach Island. Part café, part artisan market, Birdy’s is the ideal place to “unwind, connect, and support LBI’s creative culture.” Opened in 2020, owner Amy Haeberlein describes the space as unique, authentic, and “perfectly imperfect.” Originally planned as a coffee café, Haeberlein was inspired by the “cool kitchen” to bring even more to Harvey Cedars, and Birdy’s grew into the special and eclectic space it is today.

Haeberlein’s business expertise as well as her passion for creativity date back to her early years on LBI. Originally from Bryn Mawr, Philadelphia, her parents relocated to Beach Haven West to help run Bay Avenue Plant Company, a family owned and operated business back in the early 1970s. Haeberlein’s grandmother ran High Bar Harbor Yacht Club back then as well, making Haeberlein’s island roots strong. Having always had a knack for the artistic side of things, more recently, she worked as a floral and landscape designer; ran Artifacts and Company, a vintage home furnishings business; and owned The Coffee Nest, a small coffee shop that operated on the South End of LBI. When the Harvey Cedars location became available, Haeberlein jumped at the opportunity to expand her talent and offerings to the other side of the island. Having always loved food, and with a relative in the food industry, she gravitated toward establishing a unique café on the North End.

Dedicated to providing a space where people feel at home, Haeberlein enjoys “decorating and making things beautiful…and welcoming people in as I would want them to be in my own home.” During the initial planning and preparation stages, she worked with a good friend to source furniture and pieces that would fit the vision she had for the space. “I was collecting all these pieces I knew I would use because I wanted to keep it organic but clean, and then it just came together,” Haeberlein explains, adding, “I’m a collector and an artist, so it’s always changing.” Among the things she found and picked up along the way is an Airstream parked out front of Birdy’s and utilized as a smoothie bar.

When it comes to fine tastings, Birdy’s offers something for everyone; fresh food in the simple, small menu, and favors quality over quantity. Serving breakfast and lunch daily as well as dinner Thursday-Saturday, Haeberlein prides herself on making everyone feel like they’re enjoying a “fresh Sunday breakfast for your family” and “presentation we’re really special at.” The variety of toasts are a top menu items and include toppings including salmon, prosciutto, and traditional avocado while the most popular choice is the quesadilla. Dinner options include fresh seafood, chicken and steak dishes, and vegan entrées. In addition to the regular hours, Birdy’s also offers catering and hosts private events. From baby and bridal showers to intimate birthday parties and rehearsal dinners, Haeberlein notes, “It’s fun doing those events because you can really make it special and different.”

Haeberlein is quick to point out that while she is the “owner, cook, and conductor of this whole community space,” she has wonderful help. “Hardworking kids who want to work [here]; my staff understands and respects how I treat [the business] like my baby and they have my back…I’m very lucky.” Training often starts out in the airstream and Haeberlein laughingly notes, “If you can get through the juice bar and dealing with all of the chaos out there, you must love doing it and want to work inside the next year.” Family is also a big part of Haeberlein’s success and it’s not a surprise to find even her five-year-old granddaughter greeting guests and helping out around the café, of which Haeberlein is very proud.

Ever evolving, Haeberlein recently collaborated with local chef Nicole Dragon to offer supper parties and has plans to bring in more chefs for dinner events. She also brought in a taste of sweetness with Federal Donuts of Philly. Haeberlein enjoys partnering with young local entrepreneurs to showcase small businesses including those selling jewelry, clothing, art, and food. “I love to support artists and locally made [things] and people want to have a pop up here; I think it’s good…bringing fun to the community. It’s supporting and giving back to the community while also offering interesting people to be able to share what they do.” This summer, Justin Bakes is popping up at Birdy’s and together, they’re making beach days a little sweeter. Not only are Justin’s cookies and lattes a delicious addition to the café, but he’s helping Haeberlein step outside her comfort zone. “I feel like we connect on different levels; he respects and values my opinions, and I value his opinions.” On a recent afternoon, the two teamed up to give away donuts on the beach amidst a looming thunderstorm. Haeberlein joyfully says, “Talk about laughing--I had so much fun even though I was nervous, [Justin] was pushing me.”

With exciting plans to keep the creative culture forefront, Haeberlein radiates joy when speaking about Birdy’s. “I’m grateful every day. I work to live in Harvey Cedars; I’ve lived on the mainland, and I’ve lived in the woods, and I had the big house, and I sold [it] and moved over to the island…Change is hard, and I feel like I didn’t really have much to lose.” Nestled in the heart of Harvey Cedars and with the support of those who frequent the café for its unique offerings, along with Haeberlein’s landlords who both appreciate a woman-owned business as well as the artistic nature of the market, Birdy’s is the perfect coastal community spot to sit back, relax, and enjoy life.

About Birdy’s: You can keep up on their latest events and happenings by following their Instagram. You can also visit their website to make reservations and discover more about the cafe.

About the writer: Brielle Bleeker has been vacationing on LBI since childhood and is happy to continue the tradition with her husband and children. As a freelance writer, Brielle has published articles related to books, travel, food, and wellness. She counts down all year long to summertime on the sandbar.