The place: Gibraltar
(at the Grove Isle Hotel & Spa)
4 Grove Isle Dr.
Coconut Grove
305-857-5007
groveisle.com/dining
The hours: Thursdays 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The deals: Enjoy two-for-one select champagne flutes and well drinks ($10 for two). A bar menu offers options such as coconut shrimp with pineapple sauce ($9) as well as a "Bites and Snacks" section. Options include half-lobster tails ($2), Oprah's turkey sliders ($5), "big eye summer rolls" ($5), and claim or mussel steamers ($8).
The scene: Patrons must sit at the bar in order to enjoy the happy-hour and bar specials. Our party was by far the youngest in the place -- until DJ Irie, Pitbull, and Randy Shannon trickled in. Gibraltar is the epitome of hidden exclusivity (valet parking alone is $10, after checking into Grove Isle through security), which seems to give celebrities comfort in coming here without an entourage. After all, the turkey burgers here are Oprah's favorite. The unobstructed ocean views are also some of the most breathtaking in Miami.
The conclusion: The happy hour is more about the food than the drinks, but don't come expecting large portions. Gibraltar is quite literal about its "Bites" menu. The turkey sliders are the most filling option, and the accompanying peach chutney spread offers a unique twist on an otherwise overused concept. All the shrimp items hit the taste mark with the exception of the coconut shrimp; the sweetness of the coconut or the pineapple in the dipping sauce did not come through. Despite all the good things I had heard about this place, the service during our visit was terrible. Our party stayed about an hour longer than we had planned. We were constantly overlooked; some orders took more than 30 minutes to arrive, we had to ask for refills, and our bills were incorrect. Was the place understaffed? Did it have anything to do with our age/priority in the room? Was it a combination of both? Either way, proceed with caution.
