New three-story restaurant and bar slated to open this spring in Carolina Beach
When Roger and Jenny Monk moved to the Carolina Beach area about a decade ago, it wasn’t long before they entered the local hospitality scene when they took over Island Beverage in 2017. They’ve since transformed the bottle shop into a neighborhood hang out.
Now, they’re close to opening a new business. The Tropical is designed as a three-story restaurant with a roof top bar. It’s right on the boardwalk on the corner between Silver Dollar and the Fuzz Love boutique.
“We’ve been working on this for two years,” Roger Monk said, and are excited to bring the concept to fruition.
The look is inspired by Miami pop art. And eventually, they’ll have a pink neon sign lighting the way. Egg rolls, bowls and frozen drinks are the focus of the menu. The egg rolls will come in varieties like shrimp-and-grits, cheeseburger and short rib mac-and-cheese. The bowl will be deconstructed versions of the rolls and there will likely be a couple of specials every day. Look for classic tropical cocktails like daiquiris, margaritas and pina coladas, as well as a selection of beer, wine and spirits.
“We wanted to do something simple, but that could be easy, and handheld, if someone wants to grab something to take to the beach," he said. "And everything will be bar service."
Because he envisions that people will move from floor to floor at The Tropical and not be tied to a table. The first floor has two garage-style doors, one is above an indoor/outdoor bar and another that will serve as a main entrance for the business.
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The second floor will have a few tables and seating along the windows and a small bar for easy ordering. The third floor is a roof-top bar with views of the ocean, boardwalk, fireworks and nightlife.
Monk said the building process hasn’t always been easy, but the views from the roof have always made it worth it.
Right now, they’re finishing construction and placing the kitchen equipment with the help of Farriss Hospitality, he said. When that’s completed, they'll complete the permitting process. They hope to open The Tropical in April or May.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at aballard@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: The Tropical restaurant, roof top bar to open in Carolina Beach, NC
