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Raising the (tiki) bar Great food and drinks served with stunning views in Minneola. STORY: JAMES COMBS
≈ PHOTOS: DOUGLAS TYLER
aves crash against a sandy shoreline. Rays from a beautiful sunset reflect off the water’s surface. Spanish moss dangling from oak trees blows gently in the wind. Bright tiki torches light up the atmosphere and infuse a tropical vibe. All this creates the perfect stage for an enjoyable meal at the Tiki Bar and Grill. The old real estate rule of thumb—location, location, location—does not just apply to homes and commercial buildings. It’s equally important in the hospitality industry. The Tiki Bar and Grill, situated on the banks of Lake Minneola,
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offers something most local restaurants don’t: Key West-style atmosphere with gorgeous lake views and opportunities for a little fun in the sun. Visitors can swim at a beach area, feed a school of giant catfish or simply sit back and watch boats gracefully glide across the lake. For many, an outside bar and restaurant with no walls and no roof—just familiar faces, good food and shady spots to watch waves roll in—is akin to paradise. Air conditioning addicts may disagree, but there’s no reason to argue. Picnic tables under ancient cypress trees and umbrellacovered tables on a wooden deck help fend off the hot Florida sun. Regulars can’t seem to get enough of the Tiki Bar and Grill. That includes manager Sydnee Torre. On her days off, she brings her family and friends there. Seriously, how many people bring
