After several months of delays, Lei Low Tiki Bar at last opened its doors on February 28, and we were there for the grand opening. The new tropical-themed bar is located at 6412 North Main in an unassuming little shopping center, sharing the building with a convenience store. It’s easy to pass up if you aren’t sure exactly what you’re looking for in the dark, so keep your eyes out for a lit-up sign that simply reads “Rum.” More visible signage is due to be added later. The bar’s festive interior will immediately transport you to a beach bar in Fiji, and the cocktails are stiff, expertly mixed, and delicious. You won’t find piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris here, though. Lei Low specializes in old-school Trader Vic’s style tiki drinks, not the overly sugary concoctions that have come to signify “tropical drinks” with the sorority girl set. The menu includes classics like the Mai Tai and other Polynesian favorites, heavy on the rum. Almost everything is served with a fancy garnish and many options are served on fire or in a large tiki bowl meant to share, so it’s quite entertaining watching drinks go out to the tables.
The atmosphere is relaxed and mellow. If you aren’t a big fan of cocktails, there are several draft beer options, and local food trucks park out front to provide sustenance to hungry imbibers. A back patio garden area is in the works, but wasn’t completed in time for the grand opening. Since many of the drinks are quite labor intensive, it can take a little while to get your order, but you’re in the islands now, so just chill out and wait a few minutes. It will be worth the delay. To be frank, if you are the kind of bar patron looking for a $3 happy hour cherry vodka sour, Lei Low won’t be your new favorite place. The drinks are a bit on the pricier side, due to high alcohol content and meticulous preparation methods. Lei Low caters to the craft cocktail crowd with a tropical twist, and after months of waiting, it lived up to our expectations. If, like me, you are a fan of tiki bars and fancy cocktails in general, you’ll love Lei Low.
For more information, please visit: http://leilowhtx.com/
Source: http://leilowhtx.com/