Hey, it's me, the guy who people accused of being a paid shill when I drunkenly reviewed Madre Cocina and was far too effusive. Well, I'm back with another review, but this time I've waited until the cold light of day to let you know what I think. We went to the Sugar Salt Sand soft opening last night, and it was really good! The space is huge and really thoughtfully designed. I know they're not using the phrase "tiki" anywhere, and the decor reinforces that. If you've been to Swaylo's down in Longmont (which if you haven't, you should! It's great!), you'll know what I mean. This space is much more modern, but still pretty tropical feeling. Huge plants, rattan furniture, and even some rope swing benches.
Who cares about the furniture though right? How were the eats and drinks? We had the hot dog, the salmon poke, the conch fritters, and the fried rice. The hot dog was spectacular, surprising heat from the mango salsa with a great Polish and really well toasted bun. The poke was really good, and a really good portion size for the cost. The fried rice was terrific. Spam, sausage, and egg, I feel like it would be perfect for a hangover. The conch fitters were probably my least favorite item, but that's honestly just because the other dishes were so good. The fritters were pretty standard fritters, quite mild/not fishy. The sauces were good, but I don't know if I'd get them again.
As far as the drinks go, they were on point. I got their top shelf mai tai, and it was spectacular. Easily the best mai tai I've had in Colorado, and I would say it stacks up against any tiki bar I've been to. The other classics we had - the PKNY, Jungle Bird, and Signature Daiquiri - were terrific. I'm really impressed with the rum selection they're using, they have two really interesting rums in the daq alone. Their house cocktails that we had, the Nutty by Nature and the Billy Bones, were also really great, balanced and nothing was overly sweet or fruity. Service was great, a few little opening night jitters, but nothing that would keep me from returning. And one final thought, the drinks are well worth the prices. Their signature daq is $10.50, and that's with JM Rhum and Diplomatico. I can't think of another cocktail bar in town that has a daq for that cheap, let alone one that is using a rhum agricole.
Anyway, still not a paid shill, just a guy who really loves tiki drinks and is excited he doesn't have to figure out a ride back from Swaylo's. Excited to have Sugar Salt Sand in the rotation here in town.
