By: Josh Maxwell Photos by: Rachel Benavides
Here in the Coastal Bend, we’re all fairly accustomed to the idea of living on “island time.” However, one Port Aransas bar knows exactly what it means to embrace the salty air and sandy beaches; paying homage to traditional island themes and decor, Lelo’s Island Bar is the perfect spot for a refreshing cocktail to take the worries away. Thanks to island-themed tiki drinks and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s only natural locals and tourists alike have gravitated towards this fine establishment.
Virginia Scott, one of the proud owners of Lelo’s, takes inspiration from any and everywhere she goes, and especially from family. As far as the inspiration behind the name, Scott said, “Leo is my grandson, so [the business] is actually named after him, but his sister called him Lelo, so that’s how we got the name.”
However, her inspiration doesn’t end with her family. Scott is always thinking of new and innovative ways to construct drinks for her bar. “We love to visit tiki bars, especially the ones in Las Vegas. We are trying to get inspiration to switch up our drinks,” she said. Bringing fresh cocktails with a tropical splash to the Coastal Bend is one of the main goals at Lelo’s.
What sets Lelo’s apart from the rest isn’t just the staff’s love of family or the bar’s island vibes, but the well-thought-out drink combinations. “Our Bailey’s Banana Colada is based on a fond memory of us being in St. Thomas, and it happens to be our most popular drink,” Scott said.
Another crowd favorite is the Mermaid Water, which is served in a conch shell glass and the perfect libation to share. This cocktail features spiced and coconut rums shaken with pineapple juice, lime juice, and then topped with a splash of blue curacao. The PainKiller, served with a local, aged rum from Vida Caña Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, orange juice, and a dash of nutmeg, is also a top contender on their list of specialty drinks.
With a warm, inviting environment and many diverse drink options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst—and get the feeling of being transported straight to a hammock on the beach in the process.
Contact:
212 Beach St | lelosbar.com
