Cabanas Island Restaurant

All it takes is one step into Cabanas Island Restaurant in Mentor and you'll know that you aren't in Cleveland anymore. The colorful umbrellas, tropical tunes and fishbowl margaritas will have you soaking up the sun and enjoying your island getaway without having to so much as board a boat or hop a plane.

This playful eatery and bar is located just a few minutes west of downtown in the lakeside city of Mentor. Cabanas is family-owned and operated, bringing an intimacy and friendliness that you just can't find at national chain restaurants. From live music to the cordial hellos from the bar and wait staff, Cabanas is the perfect spot to sit back, relax and relish your time in a tropical oasis.

Start your culinary vacation off with an order of Cabanas' famous island fish wings-- delicious, crispy fried grouper strips served with tangy tartar sauce, or some jumbo shrimp cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce.

Menu items are versatile and expansive, covering everything from sandwiches to salads and pizza to burgers and pasta. If you're in the mood for a light meal, Cabanas sandwiches and wraps are sure to please.

The crispy ranch chicken, which features a moist, crispy fried chicken breast filet topped with thick-cut bacon, pepperjack cheese and chipotle ranch dressing, is a surefire crowd pleaser. The Italian Stallion, a wrap that features sweet Italian sausage, pepperoni, breaded chicken breast, banana peppers and Italian cheeses is another frequent favorite.

If you're in the mood to share, try a Cabanas pizza. My personal favorite is the West Coast pie, which is a warm, chewy crust that's slathered with a white garlic sauce and topped with fresh onions, tomatoes, banana peppers and Italian cheeses.

If your appetite is hearty, Cabanas entrees will hit the spot. If pasta is your vice, try the chicken and broccoli alfredo with penne; Majito chicken pasta with diced tomatoes, scallions, garlic and grilled jerk chicken in a rum mint sauce; or the shrimp scampi pasta with onions, tomatoes and garlic in a white wine butter sauce.

Cabanas also boasts steak favorites like filet mignon and New York strip. Seafood like the N'awlins shrimp with peppers, onions and cheese over rice and a combination platter called the seafood trio, which features light crab cakes, fried shrimp and seasoned grouper alongside rice and veggies.

For dessert, try the tasty tropic teazer-- a dish that features mango and pineapple sauteed with brown sugar and flamed with coconut and banana flavored rum and served over cool vanilla ice cream.

Don't forget a tropical drink such as the Bahama mama, jungle juice or a Monkey's lunch pina colada. They come in fishbowl size-- so make sure you bring along a designated driver should you choose to indulge!

 

 

- by LeeAnn Mullen, Cleveland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

LeeAnn Mullen

LeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.