Date Night Review

Hollywood Highway

Hollywood Highway

Welcome to Date Night Review

MARGARITAVILLE

Going to Margaritaville is like taking a date to a popular frat party. You know you have to be there but, after you leave, you wonder if you could have gone someplace more romantic. However, if your night includes doubling with another couple or with a group of friends, then Margaritaville at the Flamingo just can't be beat.

As you probably know, Margaritaville is owned by the one and only Jimmy Buffett and named after the ole Caribbean Pirate's signature song. Reminders of the popular refrain "Wasted away again..." is prevalent as the place is packed throughout the day and night. There are rumors that it is the most profitable restaurant in the country and, based on the ever present crowds, and the loyalty of the world's "Parrot Heads", its easy to believe.

Your night will undoubtedly commence with you getting a pager when you check in with the hostess. I say undoubtedly because it will be extremely rare if you get a seat immediately upon checking in. A blizzard in July will probably happen before you get an immediate seat at Margaritaville.

During that time of waiting - which can be anywhere from ten minutes to an hour and a half - you can amuse yourself in the restaurant's gift shop area which offers some great Margaritaville memorabilia like t-shirts, mugs and, of course, Mr. Buffett's CD's.

Once you are paged, you will be led into the main dining area and, once seated, you will do what everybody else does - soak in the visual ambiance. As a themed restaurant, Margaritaville excels in presenting its "party atmosphere" with its fishing boat booths, giant sails that also double as TV screens and the very cool-looking three-story volcano that "erupts" every hour. In the evening hours, a mermaid will ride down the "lava" (faux margarita mix) into a giant glass. Also in the evening hours (usually around 10 PM) a live band will play. Otherwise, music videos from Jimmy and his friends (such as Toby Keith) will play throughout the restaurant.

Unfortunately, the menu itself does not present the same "WOW" features that the restaurant does. I mean, the food is good but you'll learn that you will go to Margaritaville for the ambiance rather than what's on the menu.

That being said, you may want to start out with some appetizers, especially if you are going with another couple or group of friends. There are some good choices here such as the Jamaica Mistaica Wings, Volcano Nachos and the crab, shrimp and mushroom dip.

Your choice for an entree will depend on what you're in the mood for. They offer everything from BBQ ribs to sandwiches. And, in case you're wondering, they do have a Cheeseburger in Paradise menu item but, again, there's nothing spectacular about it. Don't get me wrong, the food is delicious but there is nothing special about it. The Cheeseburger in Paradise tastes like any other burger you will find in any other restaurant. Same goes for the desserts which includes key lime pie, chocolate cake and creme brulee.

However, going to Margaritaville should be seen as a social activity and not a culinary experience. If you want a culinary experience, check out Renoir. If you want a great evening out - especially with a group of people - then Margaritaville at the Flamingo should be your number one stop.