Reviewed by: Lisa Battles
2 beach-themed bars you need to visit before summer ends
Reading time: 4 minutes
You don’t have to travel far to experience the novelty of a tiki bar. With a new pop-up and a year-round favorite, these two beachy bars should be on your summer bucket list.
There are only a few weeks left in July—this is your sign to get in your summer sips in downtown Huntsville!
“The Blind Shark” pop-up at The Blind Tiger
Swipe to take a look at Huntsville’s newest pop-up bar. (Ryleigh Scott / Hville Blast)
The luxury event venue The Blind Tiger made quite the splash last night, debuting “The Blind Shark” tiki bar pop-up. Get your photo ops as you enter through the a shark’s open mouth into a twinkling under-the-sea bar with tropical house music to set the mood.
Our intern, Ryleigh, had to see it for herself and enjoyed the ocean decor and curated menu.
“We don’t get many themed pop-ups in Huntsville, but when we do, they go all out! This seriously looks like the most exciting Friday night out, and I was so excited to experience this for myself.”
Ryleigh Scoot, Content Producer Intern at Hville Blast
Heads up: There’s always a shark in site. Your drink may be served in a fish-shaped glass, and your waiter may be dressed as a lifeguard.
🍴Beachy bites:
- Tiki tapas like crab rangoon from Phat Sammy’s
- JAWS movie popcorn served with gummy sharks in a sand bucket
- Shark-uterie from HoneyBox
🍹 Summer sips:
- Margarita flights including blackberry, lime + guava
- Specialty cocktails like the “Hammerhead Hurricane” featuring whiskey, passionfruit + bursting strawberry boba
- Tropical mocktails
This pop-up is only here for a limited time, aptly wrapping up with Shark Week.
- Where: 113 Clinton Ave W, Huntsville, AL 35801
- When: Thursday-Saturday 7PM-“late” now through July 26
- Karaoke on Fridays + Saturdays at 8PM
- Know before you go: 21+ only | credit card only | first come, first served cocktail-style seating
Phat Sammy’s
Swipe for a surprise: a flamingo-themed bathroom! 🦩 (Elizabeth Hobbs / Hville Blast)
Just look out for the glowing pineapple outside to step underground into Huntsville’s popular tiki bar, Phat Sammy’s. The vibrant bar is adorned with sparkling lights, retro TVs, a beachy mural, tropical prints and plenty of seating. I recently visited to get a stamp on the Craft Cocktail Trail and felt transported to paradise.
Besides, is it really a summer drink without a curly straw, fruit garnish and a tiny umbrella? They take it a step further with drinks served in tiki glasses and even spam cans.
🍴Beachy bites:
- Fried potstickers
- Crab rangoon
- Poke nachos
- Phat fries
- Spam musubi
- View the full menu
- Psst: Did you know they have a full menu of Polynesian items like poke bowls, salads, burgers, fried rice, ramen + more?
🍹 Summer sips:
- Daiquiris, pina coladas, martinis + more
- Communal sips like the “Fish Bowl”
- Sake, soju + beer
While Phat Sammy’s is a favorite year round, you should still add it to your summer bucket list.
- Where: 104 Jefferson St S, Huntsville, AL 35801
- When: Monday-Tuesday 3-11PM; Wednesday-Thursday 11AM-11PM; Friday-Saturday 11AM-2AM
- Happy hour: 3-6PM + daily specials (like discounted tiki cocktails on Tuesdays!)
- Know before you go: Hostess or bar seating | reservations available
Bonus: 21 summer drinks to try
There are plenty more local bars to find a summery drink and a good time. Check out our guide to three local bars with 21 summer drinks to try!
Our list features limited-time summer menus from:
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