Tropical Escape

Cafe & Bar

803-366-3888

21 Plaza, 21 By Pass

Rock Hill, South Carolina

For a tropical dining experience that recreates a tropical getaway right in the middle of downtown Rock Hill, visit Tropical Escape in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

A tropical island bar, complete with bartender, and decorated as if you had stepped off the Love Boat and right into a Caribbean port of call, greets you as you walk in the door. Bamboo, tropical plants, dark woods and an exotic atmosphere adds to the atmosphere.

The non-smoking dining room is divided from the main dining area in a unique way. Arched openings over each booth, lead the eye through to the main dining area so the room doesn't feel cut off from the action. The Island bar can been seen yet, it is sufficiently isolated to minimize any smoke intruding from the main dining room.

An undersea mural spans the far wall in the non-smoking dining room that has ample table seating as well as booths. Artificial parrots swing from perches hung from the ceilings. Wooden carving and other oriental art are scattered about for flavor. Colorful table cloths cover the tables, protected by clear acrylic squares. Lighted candles flicker on the tables. The carpet carries the theme through with it shell design on a green background.

We had excellent service that was fast and pleasant. We came on a Thursday night about 7:30 p.m and there was plenty of seating even though the restaurant was busy. The waitress gave us lots of smiles and personal service. She was a delight.

We ordered a shrimp cocktail for an appetizer. It was the best shrimp I have ever had. They almost melted in my mouth. They were huge, much larger than those we have been served in other places. They were firm, yet tender.

I ordered the Pacific Combo which consisted of Sweet & sour shrimp & chicken and pork fried rice, which came with the dish. The Sweet & sour sauce was light & not too sweet. The shrimp were again the large prawns, Breaded. I also ordered a Spring Roll , (which came with the dish), which consists of vegetables and meats pureed, put into a pastry shell, rolled into a long tube, then deep fried. It was delicious.

Jim ordered the Manila Bay Shrimp. It consisted of Broccoli, snow peas, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots & baby corn in a wonderful sauce. The pork fried rice came with the dish. He also ordered an egg roll, which was included in the dish.

We both ordered hot tea that was done just right. We like ours steeped just enough so that there is no bitter taste. In fact, done properly no sugar or sweeteners are needed. It was served in the traditional tea cups, (handless). The menus were pretty, printed in bright colors which catch the eye.

I have only one slightly disappointing comment. After going so far to create this wonderful dining atmosphere, the popular music seemed out of place and somewhat annoying. The whole experience would have been complete with a soft background of oriental or tropical music. Perhaps some tropical jungle sounds, or even water falls, streams or ocean sounds. It was a shame to fall just slightly short of the true experience because of poor music choices.

I would recommend this restaurant to anyone.