CLEVELAND, Ohio — Foodies often scoff at chain restaurants. For good reason: They can stale and bland, where playing to a wide range of tastes results in an absence of personality. Bahama Breeze has managed to cut a narrower path, one reminiscent of a travel poster to the Caribbean. Yes, it’s a romanticized version of the islands, but it works if you’re sitting in Cleveland on a winter day.
Bahama Breeze’s new emphasis on its Happy Hour only underscores the virtual getaway. First, the hours are generous – with an evening portion that allows you to raise a Tiki elixir and sing along late into the night to calypso and reggae pop ditties. You also get to order off the discounted menu throughout the restaurant – a rarity in Happyland.
The Frozen Margarita, one of 5 specialty cocktails for $5, is as colorful as it is bountiful and comes with a shot of Cactus Juice Schnapps. It also goes down well with the Coconut Shrimp ($5) and Chicken Tostones ($4.90) – both stellar deals given the portions.
The Jamaican Wings (eight big ones for $7.90) take things in a different direction – though the portion is just as generous — and go well with the Cuban Mojito. Ditto for the Jumbo Lump Crab Stack ($6.90), a refreshing mix of crab, shrimp, mango and avocado perfect for a summer day.
Of course, this is winter, but sometimes the seasons are relative…
Bahama Breeze, 3900 Orange Place, Orange; 216-896-9081; bahamabreeze.com Happy Hour: 4-6 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 p.m.-close Sunday-Thursday
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