Get out the flip flops and sarongs because Cane Rhum Bar & Caribbean Kitchen wants patrons to chill in an island atmosphere with a few rum drinks. The East Bay Street restaurant opens next week, but gave Eater a sneak peek before unlocking the doors.
Chef/owner Paul Yellin welcomes guests to try Cane on August 2. Once inside, they'll see that the space has completely transformed from its former life as dive bar Big John's Tavern. The bar and dining rooms are bright, lively, and inviting. Yellin, along with marketing consultant Austin Walker and bar manager Jeff Chaffin, took on the challenge of renovating the fire-ravaged building and turning it into an image that conjures vacationing in Barbados.
The group scoured thrift stores and Yellin's home for all the interior details. They even found a worn ship's bow, now a service bar, on the side of the road. The crew reused salvageable wood left over from Big John's in details around the space — you can still spot old stickers and graffiti in a few places. The kitchen opens up into the dining room, and it is wide open. Patrons can see everything from prep to the dish pit.
Once the doors unlock, Cane will open Tuesday through Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, and Friday through Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. To see the full menu, click over here.
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