I try my best to avoid chains, but was drawn to Thirsty Lion on a Saturday shopping excursion with the promise of happy hour deals.
The restaurant did not disappoint. A sweet, peppy server kept me happy with tea refills while we ate fried calamari, a California roll, and garlic edamame.
While none of those food items are particularly thrilling on their own, they were well executed, delivered to our table in a timely manner, and we got out of the restaurant full with having spent less than $25. The breading on the calamari was especially yummy and not too heavy, complementing the calamari well.
Happy hour prices are very reasonable -- many items for around $5 -- while their regular menu varies greatly in cost. Digs are what can be expected from a chain restaurant in a mall -- clean, but a little boring.