Getting Away From It All—In A Wayne Parking Lot!

It's hot and getting hotter. No time for the beach this weekend? Then why not get away from it all—in a Wayne parking lot.

Believe it or not, the Bahama Breeze Island Grille has long been a go-to spot for those seeking a fruity alcoholic drink and, well, the soothing Caribbean tunes that will put you in an island state of mind.

So where exactly is this New Jersey paradise? Smack in the middle of the Wayne Towne Center parking lot at 101 Route 23 South, near the Willowbrook Mall. Even so, with Caribbean music pumping out of the speakers, the outdoor seating and frozen drinks beckon those from the Caldwells and beyond.

After taking a seat on the rather extensive outside porch, customers settle back and soak up the scene. Teal and blue and shades of orange and pink decorate the restaurant. Surrounding the porch is a well-manicured lush lawn and a lovely garden—an aberration in the middle of an asphalt jungle.

When it comes to the drinks, a happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, features specialty drinks for $4 each such as: Mojito Cubano, Pineapple Coconut Martini, Ultimate Piña Colada, Bahamarita, Sangrias, and Margarita on the Rocks. And, when it comes to the food, appetizers are half price such as: Coconut Shrimp, Crispy Onion Rings, Chicken Quesadilla, Lobster & Shrimp Quesadilla, Skillet Simmered Jerk Shrimp, Beef Empanadas, Warm Goat Cheese, and Flatbread Crisps Tostones with Chicken.

The lunch and dinner menus boast a wide variety of fresh fish including Mahi-Mahi while a great kids' menu showcases items such as Grilled Fresh Tilapia.

During a recent visit, a man sipped his frozen peach-colored drink and then passed it to the woman across from him so that she could take a sip. Overhead, giant ceiling fans whirred, creating a soft breeze. Everyone seemed to be laughing or smiling.

Ahhhhh. 

So, if you have no plans this weekend, get away from it all. Let Bahama Breeze help you de-stress. No, it's not the Caribbean, but a person could do a lot worse in the suburbs of northern New Jersey.

Bahama Breeze

101 Route 23 South

Wayne, NJ 07470

973-237-0412 

Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Friday to Saturday: 11 a.m. to midnight

Happy Hour

Monday to Friday: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For menus and more information, go here.