Cat Eye Club

Cat Eye Club Restaurant Review:

With its colorful Mondrian-style wall, wood carvings and lava lamps, this retro tiki lounge embodies mod pop cool. A hand-drawn menu of drinks guides tiki fans through myriad rum-infused libations, from South Seas grogs and mai tais on tap to flaming Scorpion Bowls and smoke-billowing treasure chests full of rum and tropical juices --- this one’s meant to be shared. The Polynesian-leaning fare complements the cocktails. Think salmon poke in sesame ponzu with pickled cucumber, toasted quinoa and sesame seeds, all of which delivers a crunch to contrast with the fresh, tender fish. Keeping with the aloha tiki vibe, you can’t go wrong with a pu pu platter with chicken and beef teriyaki skewers, coconut shrimp and spring rolls. Other solid options include ceviche tostadas, plantains with mango guacamole, tropical fruit salad and a tiki burger with teriyaki glaze, candied bacon and pineapple salsa. To counteract the effects of the nuclear drinks, we suggest a sharable machete --- an elongated quesadilla served on a wooden plank. It’s made up of handmade corn tortillas stuffed with bacon, shrimp, cheese and lime crema, or with kalua pork, manchego cheese and pineapple habanero salsa. Karaoke or live tiki-style music elevates the energy in this already-engaging spot in the East Village.