The Observer, March 23, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 21
Panini's overshadowed by Coventry competition
click to enlarge
For the next semester this space will feature a weekly happy hour review and competition of local establishments. The Observer reminds you to consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly. To add your comments, thoughts, questions, or offer to buy a beer, e-mail: happyhour@case.edu.
Panini's Bar and Grill is a perfectly respectable place to enjoy happy hour, but unfortunately finds itself somewhat lost among the competition. The selection is nowhere near as extensive as at the Winking Lizard, and except for domestic bottles, the prices can't compare to McNulty's. For large groups or for a solid American bar experience, however, you won't be disappointed.
Walking into Panini's, the gigantic television screens along the far wall immediately draw the eye. It's a better view than can be found in any other bar in the area, and a number of other smaller screens ensure a reasonably wide selection of viewing material. Inside, the place has a good, solid, clean feel to it, with comfy wooden booths and an attractive bar. Neon beer signs decorate the walls, and several arcade machines sit comfortably in the back of the room. This is a classic American sports bar, though it is frequented by people from all over the area, including plenty of Case students and alumni. Good rates for large groups also help make this a great place to come if you're bringing the party with you.
The happy hour offers $1.75 domestic bottles from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., which is definitely a good deal, especially since the domestic bottle list includes some rarer favorites like Shiner Bock. It's a shame that the beer on tap isn't included, because they have a good selection of it, including a rotating tap-of-the-month setup, which is a nice touch. Well liquor, used for mixed drinks, is also discounted during happy hour. Aside from that, the alcohol prices do sit at the low end of the spectrum, but not quite so low as some of the other local competition. Food prices are generally a touch better than elsewhere, which was a welcome change of pace. The menu covers the spectrum of American bar cuisine, and there are some more unusual options too, like a delicious steak entrée or a reuben sandwich. The special of the day is prominently displayed in the front of the room, and it's usually an excellent choice, both in terms of price and quality.
What's lacking, however, is local flavor. Maybe it's because Panini's is relatively new to Coventry, but it seems like it hasn't quite managed to settle in to its location. It comes off as much more corporate than the other bars in the area, despite the friendliness of the management and waitstaff. There are also some oddities with their chain-bar corporate policy – for example, the signature "overstuffed" sandwiches can't be altered, which is strange and frustrating.
With so many excellent bars on Coventry, being good isn't quite good enough. Panini's is a fine place to go, especially when you're bringing your own people, but the lasting impression is sort of neutral. The sports theme may appeal to some, but that kind of atmosphere can also be found closer to home. It's not a bad bar by any stretch of the imagination, but it hasn't made itself stand out yet – for now, it's just a solid place to go when you need a change of pace.
