KOKOMO Jerry and Alice Hatfield like to travel. They especially enjoy the Caribbean, and with their new bar and restaurant, The Great Escape, they hope to capture the mood of a laid back Caribbean vacation.

Located at 2411 N. Washington St., in what used to be the bar Kathys Place, the Hatfields want their establishment to bring something new to the Kokomo bar scene.

Theres no other place in town like it, said Jerry. Its just a cool atmosphere.

The Caribbean theme hits you instantly when you step foot into the Great Escape. A large mural depicting tropical wildlife wraps around the circumference of the ceiling. The actual bar is similarly decorated with decals from Clifford Signs Inc. in Kokomo.

We wanted something different, Alice said. Not where most bars are dark and gloomy; we wanted something that made you feel relaxed and cheerful.

Thats where they got the motivation for the name they really do want customers to feel like theyve made a great escape to somewhere warm and sunny.

The Hatfields did the designing on their own along with Jerrys father, Milburn Hatfield, who has owned The Hoosier Bar on West Morgan Street for 37 years.

Each table is uniquely decorated. One has beer bottle caps that form a design beneath a pane of glass. Another is brightly painted with a tropical pattern.

Another is decorated in honor of the military, and another to union workers.

Their first day open was on Jan. 26. They did very little advertising, but were still able to draw a crowd. The next day, a Friday, Alice said they had the place full, with a lot of repeat customers. Theres going to be a grand opening coming up, but they want the place to be a bit more up and rolling before then.

As for the menu, they spoke highly of the kahuna burger, which sports ham, pineapple and kahuna sauce as toppings. They also have fish, including Cajun fish nuggets, and gyros that have been pretty popular.

Of course, they also offer a full line up of bar food. Sometime soon, theyll be equipped to serve frozen margaritas.

On Thursdays they sell domestic beer for $2 and have free games of pool.

There are a few additions they hope to offer in the future, including a karaoke night, and have live bands and DJs perform. This summer, Jerry said he hopes to have a beer garden outside.

The Great Escape is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 3 a.m.

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New Kokomo bar has Caribbean theme - Kokomo Tribune