Jan Norris: Food and Florida

Happy hours: Monday-Friday,  3 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Monday-Thursday,  9 p.m. to close, at the bar only.

The crowd: Early in the day, find weary CityPlace shoppers stopping in to recharge. Later on, young professionals filter in to greet the end of the day.

Surrounds: Pleasant bar atmosphere facing onto the street and outdoor patio. High-topped tables also provide relaxing seating. A quick glance takes in the large aquarium nearby.

Barback: Service is quick and friendly, even when a crowd is gathering.

The sips: Drink specials range from $5 glasses of wine to beers at $3.50 and sake concoctions and mixed drinks that go up to $7.50. If you’re a Cosmo drinker, the watermelon is a cool choice at $5 but the Sake Bomber at  $7.50 really gives that kicky Asian flavor that The Grill is noted for.

The noshes: You can choose an item on this HH menu by price, if you’re watching your budget. The offerings are grouped by cost and range from $3.25 specialty rolls, to the $5 items – try the Kona calamari and the sweet and spicy shrimp — to the $5.50 pizzas – the margherita is especially good with fresh mozzarella.

Tunes or noise: Just enough to fill in conversational holes, but never too loud to talk comfortably.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 olives.

The Kona Grill

• In CityPlace, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
  
• 561-253-7900; www.konagrill.com

Carolyn Susman, a West Palm Beach reporter, covers happy hours in the area, giving the readers at JanNorris.com a look at where to go for great little plates, super sips and mellow music….after 5. Contact her at AfterFive@JanNorris.com