Food: Cabana Cove

"Cabana Cove" is one of those casual dining restaurants that might work better as a fast-casual chain. It's a Caribbean grill with two locations here in Gainesville; I get the sense it would be very popular as a place where you could get a quick plate of beans, rice, and chicken/shrimp/fish on the run. Anyway, my family and I ate there for lunch today.

The atmosphere was relaxed (we dined on the outdoor porch) and the service was efficient. They had a 2-for-1 margarita special, and the drinks weren't watered down. Having traveled around the Caribbean, I know that sometimes the island life isn't as breezy as what's portrayed here, but it makes for a pleasant dining milieu.

The food was fairly good. We all ordered the grilled fish lunch specials, which also came with a choice of which rub the filet would be cooked in. The jerk was, as expected, fairly spicy, and the other rubs were competent. Mom's sweet potato fries were good, but my black beans and rice were a bit underwhelming (if it's just black beans and rice, why can't they give you more of it?). The portions, though, seemed small compared to the prices.

Rating: 2/4 stars