Tiki Island Bar & Grill

Tiki Island Bar and Grill

By: Antonica Welvaert, VBnightlife.com correspondent

Recently I visited the Tiki Island Bar and Grill on Sandbrige Road. I was told this place was under new ownership with a new chef and great menu so I made my way off the oceanfront beaten path to check it out. This family friendly bar and restaurant offers Lunch, Dinner, Saturday and Sunday Brunch as well as late night food and Happy Hour specials 7 days a week. You can also enjoy live local music several nights a week including Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Upon the recommendation of the manager, Charlie Burrow (previously of Catch 31) I tried the Sunset Shrimp. These lightly fried shrimp are tossed in mildly spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness served over fresh mango slices. It was such an interesting blend of flavors that I inquired about the ingredients but apparently it’s a secret recipe. The friends at my table finished the shrimp in no time and ordered a second plate. If you plan to attend the Pungo Strawberry Festival (May 29^th & 30^th), Tiki will be there serving up these shrimp – stop and try them, they will be by far the best thing you eat that day besides the strawberries.

Chef Kevin Reyna suggested I try the Wet Burrito. Honesty I had never heard of such a thing and was informed by Kevin that this is a popular dish from his hometown in Michigan. It’s a flour tortilla stuffed (and I can’t over emphasize the word “stuffed”) with a seasoned ground beef mixture and covered in a red chili, enchiladas style sauce. I hate to even call it a burrito because the flavors are not at all what you typically expect. In most Mexican dishes such tacos or burritos the meat is just base and much of the flavor comes from the cheese, vegetables and sauces. In this dish it’s the meat itself that makes it unique. They provide the usual topping on the side but I didn’t need to add a single thing. Maybe they should rename it, something like Southwest Meat Pie. Whatever you want to call it, it’s delicious.

I learned from the chef that they use local ingredients whenever possible such as soft shell crabs, mushrooms and salad greens. They make all their sauces and salad dressings from scratch which to me is always a good indicator of quality (ask next time your order a salad somewhere, you might be surprised).

Before I left I could not resist trying the Twist and Crawl Soft Pretzel appetizer. It’s a twisted soft pretzel topped with local crab meat, cream cheese, tomatoes and a cheddar-jack cheese sauce – do I really need to say more? This appetizer and a frosty beer is a perfect combination. I was also intrigued by the Tiki Carvings which are homemade potato chips topped with bacon, onions, melted cheese and sour cream. If you’re into wings they offer 4 different homemade sauces which include; Buffalo, Polynesian bronzed, Maryland or Mango Habanero. Many appetizers are just $5.00 from 2pm – 6pm daily so that’s a great time to come in and try a few. They also have great drink specials as well from 2pm – 8pm Monday thru Thursday and 2pm until 7pm Fridays and Saturdays.

Tiki is hosting a “Beat the Heat” outdoor Party on Saturday, May 22^nd from 12pm until 10pm. This event features the music of Dave and Kate along great food and drink specials.

Tiki Island Bar and Grill

1993 Sandbridge Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23456-4076
(757) 426-8454

www.tikiislandbarandgrill.com