Maggiano’s

189 The Grove Dr. Suite Z80
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 965-9665
Maggiano’s at the Grove
twitter.com/Maggianos

Parking: 2 hours free Grove parking with Maggiano’s validation

M-F; 3-7pm; $6.25 Select Martinis, $4.95-$8.95 wine selections, $4.95 small bites

Before we go any further in this review, I just gotta say I think I’ve found my new decadent drink treat for all eternity, like a desert island drink treat. This would be the Italian Margarita “Tini” at Maggiano’s. It’s your basic margarita made Italian-style, which means that they use amaretto instead of tequila. Yes, it may be one of the sweetest things you’ve ever tasted, but girls & boys – if you like sweet & sour, look no further for the most delicious drink of life.

I know I’m prone to hyperbole, forgive me, but Maggiano’s Happy Hour is a fun place to be – Italian Margarita “Tini” or not. Between the piped-in Rat Pack tunes alternating with a live pianist, the fancy vibe, the quite tasty food at somewhat reasonable prices, and the friendly wait-staff, we heartily recommend Maggiano’s as a fun Happy Hour stop while shopping at The Grove.



Happy Hour takes place at the bar and lounge only; mind you the bar and lounge space is big enough to be its own bar. When we visited on Election Night, the space was relatively empty – maybe 10-15 other guests, but that’s completely understandable for a Tuesday night. Anyways, we weren’t really there to mingle; we were there to make up a dinner out of Happy Hour food & drink menu item. And that we did!




We both started out with the featured RM Woodbridge Chardonnay at $4.95/glass and ordered a round of sumptuous food fare – complimentary bread with an oil & vinegar plate, Four-Cheese Ravioli Fritté for $4.95, Margherita Flatbread for $5.95, and the non-HH priced Calamari for $9.50. We were apparently carb-loading to protect our livers from our next round of cocktails, the aforementioned Italian Margarita “Tini” for me and the Perfect Pomegranate Margarita (more like a yummy Fruit-Punch-Tini) for TG, both priced at $6.25.

If you’re seeking the cheapest Happy Hour around, you might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re okay with slightly higher prices for good food, delectable drinks, Dean Martin soundtrack, and marble countertops? Look no further! And try the Italian Margarita “Tini!” Capisce?



--JB

Rating: 4 Martinis