Every place has its happy hours, but Kona Grill's daily specials are so good they'll actually make you smile. On weekdays from 3-7 p.m., the Oak Brook restaurant has half-price appetizers, sushi rolls and pizzas to go along with a rotating list of drink specials. Even better, Kona offers a reverse happy hour from 9-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 p.m.-midnight on Friday and Saturday. (Note: these deals are only available in the bar and outdoor patio areas, where patrons must be at least 21).
If you take advantage of happy hour, you can walk out of the restaurant with a great meal for two and drinks for around $25. Kona does have an extensive sushi menu, but only the California, Atlantic, spicy tuna and crab specials are available at half-price. The chicken potstickers, margherita pizza and avocado egg rolls are also excellent happy hour choices. And to drink, the $6 sake bomber is a can't-miss. It comes with a large bottle of Kirin Ichiban beer, a small container of hot sake and a glass to mix the two drinks. You can get rowdy by placing a shot of sake on two chopsticks above the glass of beer, pounding the table and then slamming the bomb when the sake falls in. Or you can take it easy by savoring the two Japanese favorites separately.
If you miss happy hour, your bill may skyrocket, but it's still an enjoyable place to dine. It has a classy atmosphere with a swanky bar, a classic sushi bar and an elegant dining area. Kona specializes in a combination of sushi and American cuisine. Items like sweet chili-glazed salmon ($18) and macadamia-nut chicken ($17) round out a very diverse menu. Kona Grill is a growing national chain with about 20 outposts across the country, including one north of Chicago in Lincolnshire.
Average cost: $21-$30
Centerstage Reviewer: Jim Collins
