Cabana is a fun, energetic scene mixing bright red and orange decor with salsa, Jamaican and Caribbean music.
The upscale white linen restaurant is located on the top floor of the iconic Pier 17 shopping mall at New York's South Street Seaport - the best FREE spot for taking in sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge, East River and downtown Manhattan skyline.
In warmer months, the glass walls retract to expose diners to the sights, sounds, concerts and crowds flanking the outside tourist area.
The most surprising element of this restaurant, located in a dilapidated mall with barely recognizable stores save Victoria's Secret and Express, was the food. You will have dreams about this food.
Starting off with a pitcher of sangria and a salad - big enough for two and pretty enough for pictures - a couple may sit and just take in the bursting aromas of the freshly seasoned grilled shrimp atop mango, avocado and mixed greens.
Moving on to a sizzling platter - where our grilled steak scent drew envious gasps from nearby tables - we dined on an entree again big enough for two, or three. Accompaniments of rice and beans were (unusually) just the right flavor for this salt-fearing fan of bland.
For a fitting end to a grand meal for this hard-to-impress diner, we shared 3 warm ""Cuban brownies"" (read: kinda dry cake) topped with homemade coconut ice-cream accompanied by chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a fresh strawberry.
Force yourself to fit this in. What's another lap on the treadmill ... with weights strapped to your hips and back.
With 5 locations in Florida, exotic Queens and Midtown, Cabana offers unpretentious service with a view that's sore to be missed by visitors and locals alike.
Pros: Great Food, Views, Location, Energy
Cons: In an old Mall, Loud Music (at times), Cheesy
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