Bahama Breeze

At Bahama Breeze bar and restaurant you can sip a tropical drink and enjoy Jimmy Buffett tunes as a warm wind blows through the room. It almost makes you feel as if you're on a Caribbean island.

OK, I said almost. This is the desert after all, but the atmosphere at Bahama Breeze definitely makes you feel as if you're in a relaxing tropical environment.

From the outside, Bahama Breeze resembles a Caribbean plantation house, and the decor, food and drinks inside echo that theme.

There are two bars at Bahama Breeze. The first is conveniently situated near the restaurant for those who are waiting for a table, or you can go outside into a screened-in porch area to another bar -- there's no better place to enjoy a drink when the weather's nice. The windows open to allow the breeze to flow in, and large ceiling fans help circulate the air.

There also is live entertainment out on the porch -- usually reggae, Jimmy Buffett and other island-inspired music.

Of course, no trip to a Caribbean-themed bar would be complete without a fruity tropical cocktail. Be sure to try the house special, the frozen Bahamarita® -- a combination of Cuervo Gold tequila with kiwi, strawberry and mango ices. It is served with a shot of Cactus Juice on the side, which can either be poured over the top (I highly recommend it this way) or downed as a shot.

If you're looking for a classic Cuban drink, try the Mojito Cubano made with crushed spearmint, fresh lime, sugarcane juice and rum, served over crushed ice with a spritz of seltzer.

If tropical drinks aren't your style, there are plenty of beers available, including the Aruba Red, a special house brew served in a 20-ounce glass.

Besides being incredibly friendly, the bartenders at Bahama Breeze also are talented "flair bartenders," who flip bottles and light drinks on fire to the delight of their customers.

Bahama Breeze offers a nice selection of Caribbean food, including seafood, salads, pizzas and pastas. The jerk chicken pasta is a great choice, and the coconut prawns are a must-have appetizer. If you save room for dessert, try Jose's Chocolate Tres Leches, a traditional South American cake, or dulce de leche cheesecake, served with island fruit salsa.

-- Review by Kristine McKenzie