Tropical Escape Tiki Bar & Grill

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  Summary:
  Good place, different for this area. Inexpensive. Healthy food choices, regular choices. Friendly staff. Will come back.
  
  Review:
  This is a nice little place over by Wang Gang, Joe's Pizza, and Subway and a couple other places.  It used to be a Japanese place, but it's been re-done with pictures of the islands, beaches, toucans, and Jimmy Buffet music.  Some of the decorations are a little cheesy and only a few look professionally done, but it's really part of the whole theme, so I didn't mind it too much. The waitress we had was super nice.  We were also the ONLY ones in there, which was weird.
  
  I went here for lunch last week with some work mates and we all got different plates, but I think everyone was happy.  
  
  For appetizers, we ordered empanadas and two orders of chips/salsa. With the chips, we got two kinds of salsa, the mango kind and the "Smoke Damage" kind.  My co-worker who likes spicy stuff said it was a little too hot for her, so we switched to the Pico de Gallo salsa. The mango one was really good, but needed something extra.  The empanadas were about 5-inches long and filled with your choice of chicken or shrimp AND some kind of cheesy sauce. I was not expecting the cheese or for them to be deep fried. (hello, read the menu!) But, they were still good. I wouldn't order them again because I'm a freak and don't like cheese or deep fried stuff, but I'm guessing a lot of people will like them. My workmates liked 'em!
  
  For lunch, we had a few different things. The most expensive thing on the menu is a steak at $14.95. No one got that.  Two gals ordered the Caribbean K-bobs ($9.95) - one with chicken and one with shrimp, both with lots of veggies. Both looked and smelled fantastic and got great reviews, I think this is what I'll get the next time I come back.  One gal ordered a jerk burger ($7.95) (which was good, but I think she was shocked at the bun. It's not a regular hamburger bun.) and two gals got B.A.L.T.'s ($6.95 each), which also got good reviews and looked really good. One of them got fries, which looked sorta like Wendy's fries. (which, if you like Wendy's, isn't a bad thing at all!)  I got the Veggie Overload salad ($7.50) (which lasted for four days - they have HUGE portions.) It was fantastic because there are so few places where you can get a spinach salad! (I'm not from the Midwest, so adjusting to the food here has been a challenge.)
  
  We were having a bit of a work meeting and asked them to turn down the music (which was blaring out of a speaker directly over our heads), and they happily did so.  Our waitress brought extra napkins and refilled the glasses without having to be asked. (again, the place was empty, but I think she was pretty good nonetheless.)
  
  I will definitely go here again as it seems to be one of a few places that have different and healthy stuff, but also serves burgers and fries. They have a good kids menu, too. I think this would be a great place to bring kids because of the bright colors, easy to eat foods, happy staff, and since it's not too quiet, you don't have to worry about someone getting fussy and turning heads. :o)
  
  And I must say that as a former Hawaii resident, I'm happy to have anything tropical around.  I'm a little worried about it being so empty at noon, though.  I hope it sticks around.

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  Posted on 05.10.13 Cari H.

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  Tropical Escape's motto is, "Our job is to help you forget about yours." I'd like to propose a secondary motto: "You're only a stranger once," because that's what I found when I first went there for lunch on the Tuesday of Thanksgiving week last year. I love anything tropical, so I was excited to try a new place with this theme right in Edwardsville. The staff was beyond friendly, the décor was colorfully top-notch, and the food was amazing. I immediately felt at home and I was instantly hooked. I started hanging out there quite often, since it's so close to my job, and now I pretty much need to have my mail delivered there.
  
  But back to the food. My personal favorites are the K-Bobs (which you can get in your choice of beef, chicken, shrimp, or a mix of two), the sirloin steak (which is prepared exactly how I like it -- rarerarerare -- which some establishments just can't get quite right), the chipotle lime grouper, any salad with the house kiwi lime vinaigrette dressing, the conch fritters, the Big Jerk Burger...really, I could go on and on, because I have never tasted anything there that wasn't incredible. Oh, and how could I forget the best macaroni and cheese on the planet?!
  
  TE is also very family-friendly, so you can bring the kids. Of course, if an adult evening at the bar is on the agenda instead, be sure and try one of TE's signature tropical drinks. Perhaps an Island Colada? Lei-D's Margarita? A Key Lime Martini? Stumped? The awesome bartenders are more than happy to make suggestions. (Here's another fun one: if you like cider, ask for an Apples and Oranges. You'll thank me later.)
  
  The owners, Bob and Debbie, have truly thought of every detail to make this place an oasis of tropical food and fun here in the middle of Illinois. Beautiful tropical murals and decorations, delicious and fresh food, unique drinks, warm and funny staff, live trop-rock music on the weekends...this place has it all. If the Midwest feels mundane to you, you've got the winter blahs, and/or it's been too long since your last trip to the Keys, you owe it to yourself to pay a visit. I promise it won't be your last.

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  Posted on 04.03.13 Angela M.

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  This is a bright, friendly place with excellent food and terrific drinks. The atmosphere is A+ and service is exactly what service should be.
  
  I've never made it on Friday afternoon but my friends are regulars and love the party mood. Live music is a frequent treat.
  
  If you're in the area, you can't go wrong stopping by. Remember your loud shirt. The only thing missing is sand on the floor.

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  Posted on 03.22.13 John K.

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  Whatchagonnado? When your fifth Facebook friend in a month posts yet another set of photos of smiling people in warmer climes, and you're stuck in the cold January iciness of "North Beach," you gotta do something. A group of my wife's friends was going to Tropical Escape, so I put on my best Hawaiian shirt -- yes, I did-- and drove right over.
  
  I did so despite my disbelief that a tropical-themed bar & grill would feel right in the space occupied for many years by the fine-dining restaurant Neruda. Yet, when I opened the door, I found the interior so colorful and clean that I quickly let go my prejudice. Therese H. and her friends had taken over the room immediately to the left of the entry. At least two husbands had arrived before me, so I knew I would not be the only one avoiding sweet frozen drinks. I was pleased to discover reasonable prices on craft beers, and when I saw Bell's Two-Hearted Ale on tap, I knew this place would be all right.
  
  Our servers put in our drink orders, then let us talk for forty minutes, with no ordering pressure. When the time came, they let our group of 22 split checks any way we wanted, and got our first names on each. I'll issue the disclaimer that our primary server is a family friend. Maybe he's a little on the serious side like old John H., but sweetly smiling servers aren't necessary, as long as they are friendly, patient, and get your orders right. One of the co-owners (Bob) stopped by our table for conversation, wearing a colorful shirt, and smiling brightly, so that was a nice touch.
  
  Tropical Escape's food was very good, and you can see my photos as support for this narrative. The house salad was served with a kiwi-lime vinaigrette in a chilled white bowl (I think such bowls were part of the Neruda inventory). My shrimp and chicken skewers were prepared correctly, neither undergrilled nor dried up, and the black beans + rice side was moist and flavorful. The beef eaters at the table were pleased with the quality of the steaks, and offered a slice for me to sample. Again, I was pleasantly surprised. I don't think it's the memory of Neruda, maybe just the old Neruda grill plates and a good beef supplier. But whoever is preparing the meat certainly knows what he or she is doing.  Some diners may feel like the use of garlic butter is a bit overdone, but it worked for us.
  
  Thanks, Tropical Escape, we had a nice Friday night, and I can look at Facebook today without being too envious.

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  Posted on 01.26.13 John H.

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  Had the meatloaf tonight.  Pretty good flavor.  Potatoes weren't good.  Great atmosphere.  As a new restaurant, will definitely give them another try.

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  Posted on 12.10.12 Mike P.

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  4 of us went on a Saturday night. As you know, it is very difficult to get a table at good restaurants in Edwardsville between 7-9 and next to impossible on Weekend nights. Having said that, we marched right in to be seated.
  
  The food was for the most part very good. My hamuburger was cooked perfectly although the new waitress wrote down the wrong condiments. The sweet potatoe fries were some of the best I've had - I'd like a little less sugar and cinnamon, but still very good. My companions enjoyed the jerk chicken, fish, and "veggie overload" salad (this thing was huge!). We sampled one slice of key lime pie which had potential except the merengue (sp?) tasted like the fridge. Note to manager - wrap and cover pies properly while in the refrigerator.
  The service was very friendly, including the obligatory stop by the owner, but as mentioned earlier, the server was new and a few minor snafus ensued.  The decor was adequate for a "tiki bar" look.
  I'd probably go back.

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  Posted on 12.03.12 Bill C.

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  Fun place
  Something different
  They need to learn how to cook fish...
  Grouper was over cooked - I think the cook went out for a smoke and forgot about my meal,  It was hard on one side.  Still, I am happy to be able to get grouper in Edwardsville....
  They need to turn down the lighting in the bar.  I'd go again, but not for a while.

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  Posted on 12.02.12 Lance L.

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  Edwardsville had two new restaurant openings this week, Craft Chop House (plan to try soon), and the subject of this review, Tropical Escape Tiki Bar and Grill.  My wife and I checked it out yesterday (Sept. 29) and were pleased overall.  As the name suggests, the object here is to create a tropical islands sort of experience, both in atmosphere and on the menu.  The restaurant is located on hwy. 157 where Neruda has been for years.
  
  The restaurant is clean, bright, and looks "island-y" without going overboard.  The staff is really friendly, seems knowledgeable regarding the menu, and was attentive without being overbearing.  We started with their upscale margarita, which was really great, and a reasonable deal at $7.00.  We didn't have the less expensive one, but our waitress told us they are all homemade from juices, not from a mix.  It shows.  One of the owners came out to great us, and we had a nice chat with him.  He's a retired professor, a friendly, humorous sort of guy, and we enjoyed talking with him.   He told us his business partner was at a Parrothead Convention, and in fact I could hear a little Jimmy Buffet playing in the background, which added to the fun of the place.
  
  For an appetizer I started with their bacon wrapped shrimp skewers.  They were really good, nicely cooked, a little char on the shell left on the tail, and the bacon was cooked through without overcooking the shrimp, which is sometimes a challenge.  I liked the "IQ" sauce, which is described as "Island BBQ sauce."  It had a hint of sweetness.  I might try a different sauce next time... I like a little more heat on my shrimp.  But I'll definitely order this again.
  
  Next was a house salad, which is one of the choices as a "side" with the entrees, and an incredible deal at $1.95 if not ordered with an entree.  It was larger than many house salads I've had, with nice fresh chilled greens in a chilled bowl.  I had the house dressing, which was a kiwi lime vinaigrette.  I'd definitely get that again.
  
  For entrees I ordered the Jerk Chicken, half a chicken with two sides for $10.95.  I enjoyed it, but it could have been a little spicier, and the sauce was just a tad sweet for me.  Again, I like a little spice and heat, so that may totally just be my own preference.  Next time I might ask them to shake some extra jerk spice on it, and perhaps will try a different sauce.  The only other suggestion, and as a cook I know this is a challenge... but sometimes it is difficult to get the dark meet done without drying out the white meat.  That was somewhat evident in this case.  
  
  For my second side, I ordered their Mac n Cheese.  It was really quite good, and definitely an "adult/steakhouse style" rather than the American cheesy version our mom's used to make.  It had a couple of different cheeses, came out in a nice hot gratin dish, and my only complaint is that it was so good, I kept coming back to it when I wanted to stop!  It was clearly enough for two people to share as a side.  Highly recommended.
  
  My wife had the Big Jerk Burger, which comes with goat cheese, bacon, tomato, and IQ sauce (see above).  It was nicely spiced for her, and she loved the goat cheese on it.  The burger is served between two pieces of crisp flatbread, which was good on its own, but my wife would have preferred a bun with the burger... again, perhaps just personal preference.  I tasted the burger, and it was decent, but a little overcooked from my taste, and perhaps just a tad bit dry.
  
  The owner sent us home with a sample of their delicious Coconut Bread, a generous gesture, and a way to have us thinking later about the nice experience we had at Tropical Escape!  We'll definitely go back.  There were several high points, and even the couple of nits I had were not at all deal breakers.  Our take is that Tropical Escape Tiki Bar and Grill will be a great addition to the Edwardsville eating scene.  It's one of those unusual places that works both as a casual date night place, a college hangout (nice bar), and also a family restaurant.  They have some real hits in the food and drink department, and I hope they are really successful and around for a long, long time.

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  Posted on 09.30.12 Keith B.

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