We are suckers for a good tiki bar and having a new one just a few minutes away from home in Seaside, Florida is a treat! When we used to live in New Orleans we’d frequent Latitude 29 , and any time we’re at Walt Disney World we don’t leave without a visit to Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. We had an awesome date night recently at Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant, so let’s dive into our review!
[Photography by Local Jetsetter. Please request permission for usage + credit.]
While the theming is not as over-the-top nostalgic tiki here, the atmosphere and menu still does an excellent job transporting you to a Polynesian inspired place outside of coastal Highway 30A. A lot of their decor and details are reminiscent of that at Walt Disney World’s Polynesian Village Resort, which we really love! It is located directly outside of the famous Coleman Pavilion including an indoor/outdoor tiki bar + restaurant space.
It’s always a pleasure getting to see and talk with Chef and Owner, Nikhil Abuvala - this time it was behind the tiki bar! Thank you Chef!
What we ordered and loved:
Pretty in Pink: Glendalough Rose Gin, grapefruit juice, watermelon, apple juice, rosemary ginger syrup
Well balanced and refreshing - not too sweet, and perfect to share as a couple.
Spam Musubi: oyster sauce, furikake, nori, sushi rice
Delicious comfort food! Growing up on white rice and spam, this hits the spot. (Be mindful this is a salt bomb though.)
Tuna Crispy Rice: gulf tuna, lime oil, lava salt, fried garlic, honey chili aioli, cilantro
SOOO GOOD! The crispy rice cake was like the Polynesian cousin to a hash brown - fantastic crisp and chew on the outside, and super soft and warm on the inside. This was perfectly contrasted by the fresh, cold tuna on top and it was tied all together with that aioli, fried garlic and micro cilantro. *chef's kiss 😘
Pork Bahn Mi: berkshire pork, thai basil, cucumber herb salad, carrot, lime, hoisin
Tasty Bahn Mi, but we were missing the flavor of a pate and the pork pieces were primarily chunks of pork belly. We would have preferred softer/shredded pieces of pork with less fat to chew around. Fries were great!
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
Yes, yes, yes. Scrumptious and would totally get again!
Daytrader Tiki is such a fun and unique addition to Highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida! We can't wait to dine in again and try more on the menu! We highly recommend adding this spot to your list during your visit. Mahalo for reading our review and please share this with anyone visiting soon!
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