There’s just something special about a dive bar. Perhaps it’s the dim lighting. Perhaps it’s the reasonable prices. Perhaps it’s the sense of belonging you feel, even if it’s your first visit. Whatever it may be, Big Chill Surf Cantina has that secret ingredient.
The laid-back, surf-inspired spot opened its doors almost 15 years ago, and the fun is just getting started.
As the name suggests, the vibes at Cantina are, in fact, chill. Locals and tourists alike are welcome. Vintage surfboards line the patio walls. An array of fun vanity license plates from across the country is scattered throughout the establishment. Indoor and outdoor bars await to quench your thirst after a day at the beach.
Margs and Crushes are, well, crushed here regularly. In the beer department, expect a variety of options in cans, bottles and on draft. Local selections from Dewey Beer Co., Dogfish Head, RAR and Crooked Hammock are commonplace as well.
Cantina’s popular happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Offerings include $6 Crushes and beers starting at $3.50. If you’re more of a night owl, it also offers late-night specials every day of the week beginning at 9 p.m.
By now, you’ve probably worked up an appetite. If so, you’re in luck. Shore Island Food Truck is parked at Cantina, serving authentic Puerto Rican street food. Chef Brandon “Papi” Quiñones is slinging award-winning empanadas daily. They’re a must-order, so come hungry.
Of course, the food and drinks are only part of the overall experience. There’s always something going on at Big Chill Surf Cantina. Every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m., it hosts Soulful Tuesdays, a way to ease into the week with live music. For our big-brained readers, Cantina hosts trivia every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. For those looking to add a little spice to their lives, it even offers salsa dancing classes hosted by Sway with Tay every other Monday from 7 to 8 p.m.
Arguably, its most beloved event occurs every Sunday throughout the summer. Local legends Lower Case Blues pack the house from 4 to 7 p.m. with some of the best live music you’ll find in the area … don’t threaten me with a good time.
So, the next time you’re heading home from the beach, stuck in traffic on Coastal Highway or just looking for a nightcap … you know where to stop. Whether you’re going for the drinks, atmosphere, food truck or events, you’re in for a good time.
Besides, any story that starts with “This one time at Cantina …” is sure to be memorable.
