Zap Squad review: Matt's Casbah

(Credit: Heath Chapman, special to Metromix)

What: Matt’s Casbah, a trendy restaurant and nightclub in downtown Melbourne

Where: 801 E. New Haven Ave.; 321-574-1099; www.mattscasbah.com

Hours: 11 a.m. to until daily

Entertainment: Matt’s, which is trying to get the late-night crowd going, gets cranking at about 8 or 9 p.m. daily. You’ll find DJs on Fridays and Saturdays and sometimes bands. Regulars include musicians Matt Adkins, Billy Chapman and Mark Baker.

Happy hour: From 4 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, get $1 off draft beers, two-for-one calls and other specials.

Food and drink: Matt’s serves lunch and dinner until 9 p.m. and sushi until midnight Fridays and Saturdays. Seafood is its strongest suit, but for carnivores, there’s steak. Specials change often, but the basics always are available. We hear the chefs can modify dinner entrees to your taste.

Most popular items on the menu: During the day, it’s the goat-cheese salad or Matt’s burger. At night, we recommend the crispy crunchy whole fish.

Signature sushi roll: The garnet and gold for $10.95 is a crunchy, savory creation with spicy tuna and krab and a crispy crunchy topping.

Most popular drink: The naughty girl scout

Signature cocktail: The passiontini

Atmosphere: Matt’s claims to have the largest deck in town.

Crowd: On the night we went, the majority of this crowd were in their 20s to 40s. The patrons were fun and flirty and ready for a good time as they dined, mingled and danced. The staff was friendly, and we felt very welcome. Matt’s is upscale but comfortable. The inside is a more laid-back and relaxed, while the patio is a party outside.

Cover charge: None

Ages: 21 and older after 9 p.m.; 10 p.m. on weekends

Smoking: Outside only

Dress code: Dress to impress 
 
Parking: Street parking; could be difficult on weekends. Valet is available.

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