Along Montego Bay’s main tourist drag lies Bubble & Spice — a refreshingly local-focused restaurant located inside Coral Cliff Gaming and Entertainment. Amongst the thicket of tourist spots it is an oasis where locals can go for either special occasions or after-work drinks. “This is a space for everyone — the couple on date night or the local taxi man,” said Coral Cliff General Manager Elleanor Cole Reivers.

Smiling faces of the staff warmly welcome guests. As you approach the Lava Bar, baskets of fresh fruit, from which bartenders pluck items for smoothies, cocktails and punches, slowly sway as if in a former life they were beach hammocks. Bubble & Spice has an impressive drink list and what stands out are the affordable prices. Rum and Cokes and draughts of Red Stripe and Red Stripe Light are $300. Every day. Signature cocktails start at $850 and a glass of sparkling wine will set you back $600.

Bar Team Lead Vernon Johnson, formerly of The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Spa Resort, Rose Hall and Sandals Royal Caribbean, ensures that the drinks are as balanced as they are strong. Thursday Food had a few sips (yes, it was a work day, after all) of the watermelon margarita, Jamaican Mule, Crocodile Cooler and the Bob Marley, and it was difficult to choose a favourite. All were very good.

The affordable price point, tastiness and balance, too, translate in the food. For appetisers, try the jerk corn and oxtail pockets. Fresh corn-on-the-cob is rubbed with the restaurant’s house-made jerk seasoning, then grilled before being rolled in toasted coconut flakes finished with a squeeze of lime. Yum! The oxtail pockets are similar to empanadas, and the flakiness of the crust, smoked oxtail filling and avocado crema with which they are served make for a winning combo.

The MoBay Burger sees a juicy burger patty topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato and sandwiched between an onion jam-schmeared bun. It’s a crowd fave. However, when you visit, ensure to order the coffee and coco salmon and the vegetable curry one-pot. The salmon is properly seared, well-seasoned and the carrot purée and mashed potatoes that accompany the fresh seafood dish are delicious, too. The meal is substantial but does not weigh you down. The vegetable curry is, in a word, heavenly. An al dente vegetable medley (okra, carrot, yam, red kidney beans, bell peppers) is enrobed in a velvety coconut curry and served with jasmine rice. The dish is so good that it appeals to even avowed meat lovers.

But wait, there’s more. The signature honey butter chicken is golden crispy deliciousness that’s served with honey butter (smother it on the hot chicken) and pillowy warm corn biscuits. Orders come in two, four and eight pieces. Who orders eight pieces, you ask? Thursday Food did, with no regrets. At the helm of the Coral Cliff kitchen is Executive Chef Junior D Wright who, on occasion, is assisted by Margaritaville Group Executive Chef Cecil Jagdath. Yes, you guessed it: Coral Cliff is a part of the Margaritaville family. The kitchen is opened 24 hours, and on Sundays there is a brunch buffet.

Wednesdays through Sundays the Bubble & Spice All-Stars band entertains guests from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am. On Mondays, there’s karaoke. Regularly, Coral Cliff Sales, Marketing and Entertainment Manager Brian Brown books special acts. In January, Naomi Cowan opened for Estelle, who brought the house down. PaKaGe — a trio comprised of Patricia Edwards (formerly of EBONY), Karen Smith and Gem Myers — has performed for an enthusiastic full house.

As if the entertainment isn’t sweet enough, also on offer are generous slices of desserts. Try the decadent chocolate ganache cake or the cherry/strawberry cheesecake.

Whether you’re a local Montegonian, driving through the Second City or spending a weekend of R&R there, go to Bubble & Spice at Coral Cliff. It’s well worth the visit. Indeed, it’s worth several.