The Place: Tarpon Bend
65 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables
305-444-3210
www.tarponbend.com
The Hours: Monday through Thursday, 3-9 p.m., Friday, 3-10 p.m. and Saturday, 3-7 p.m.
The Deals: Two for one drinks.
The Scene: Tarpon Bend Raw Bar and Grill has one of the most popular and definitely the longest happy hour on Miracle Mile (starts early at 3 p.m. and ends later than most at 9 p.m.). And on Friday, the most popular happy hour day of the week, it continues until 10 p.m. They even have a Saturday Happy Hour--which most restaurants frown upon--from 3 to 7 p.m.
And there's quality to go with the quantity. The raw bar is appropriately placed at the bow (or front, for the nautically challenged) of the boat shaped wooden bar and stocked with peel and eat shrimp, oysters, claims and chilled seasonal seafood. We like that the lobster tank is back by the kitchen so you don't have to see your dinner walking the plank. Check the specials on the chalkboard and indulge in Mojito Madness all day Thursday for only $3.50, made with an assortment of fruit (blackberry, pineapple and watermelon) that ordinarily would have no place near the traditional Cuban highball.
Conclusion: The Miracle Mile Tarpon Bend doesn't have the laid back saloon appeal of the original location in Fort Lauderdale, even though the outdoor seating is comfy enough. The Gables doesn't exactly do laid back. Not that the white collar patrons which jump ship to its long happy hour hours mind. The spot is particularly attractive for the 9 to 5 crowd that get caught working late and are looking for a tonic to ease stress of their career climbs.
