Drink in a bit of island life at Jimmy's Island Grill and Iguana Bar in Wauwatosa

When a snowstorm hits the Milwaukee area, as it did on Feb. 27th, it's only natural that we locals would start daydreaming of warmer climates and tropical drinks. Well, fear not, ye hardy Wisconsinites, you can now get a touch of the islands on the west side of Wauwatosa at Jimmy's Island Grill and Iguana Bar located in the Radisson Hotel on the corner of North Avenue and Mayfair Road.

Opened in August of 2011, Jimmy's is the only one of four "Jimmy's" restaurants located in the Midwest. (The others are in Florida.) This makes for a unique dining and/or drinking experience, especially given our cold and snowy winters.

Although it's obvious when you walk in the door, here's how manager Mike Laus describes Jimmy's: "It's a Key West/Island-themed restaurant and bar. We feature a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu as well as innovative and exotic drinks."

Whether it's the surfboards and fishnets on the walls, the tiki torches on the patio or the tiny plastic iguanas served with the specialty island drinks, you'll feel like you've stepped into a relaxing beachside restaurant when you enter Jimmy's.

The menu at Jimmy's is consistent with the island theme. Some of the most popular or signature dishes for lunch or dinner include: Seafood Gumbo ($4.25/$5.50), Parmesan Crusted Snapper ($20.95) or Rajun Cajun Pasta ($17.95.) If you're in the mood for just a tropical cocktail, Laus recommends the Margarita, Rum Runner, Pina Colada or the Key Lime Pie. (Yes, that last one is a beverage.)

"Jimmy's brings out the fun in everyone, so take a break in our fun, upscale, Key West atmosphere right in the heart of Wauwatosa," says Laus. With a glance outside the window, that doesn't sound like a bad idea at all.

The Basics

NAME:Jimmy's Island Grill and Iguana Bar

ADDRESS: 2303 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa

PHONE:414-837-2121

WEBSITE:JimmysIslandGrill.com

FARE:American/Island-themed

HOURS:Monday-Thursday 6:30am-10pm; Friday 6:30am-11pm with a late-night dining menu until 1am; Saturday 7am-11pm with a late-night dining menu until 1am; Sunday 7am-10pm

PRICE RANGE: $4.25 - $27.95 (approximate)

RESERVATIONS: Yes

HANDICAPPED ACCESS: Yes (including bathrooms)

GLUTEN-FREE OPTIONS: Ask your server

LOOKING TO 'GRAB A BITE'?

"Grab a Bite" is an informal look at the food scene in the Wauwatosa, Brookfield and Elm Grove area by freelance writer Karen Waldkirch. Whether you're looking for a place for a date night or a casual spot for lunch, Waldkirch will be out and about scouting eateries for you. If you have a suggestion for a column, email her at kmwaldkirch@yahoo.com.