Tiki Jac’s Street Eats & Brews
The tiki derives from Māori mythology, a wooden figure created by, according to legend, Tūmatauenga or Tāne, who found the first woman, Marikoriko, who seduced him to becoming the father of Hine-kau-ataat. Or, that is how the South Pacific mythology goes – notice this is not Spanish folklore, but the menu at Tiki Jac’s is largely-Latin leaning with an American pub favorite twist. Brought to you by the Rehoboth Beach Zoggs’ folks, Tiki Jac’s offers no Polynesian food, no fish options, and not really any “Street Eats,” but does have (plenty of) brews – at least one thing is descriptive about its name. South Pacific cuisine is replaced by tacos, burritos, empanadas, guacamole-inspired dishes, quesadillas, and other South of the Border favorites, along with burgers, cheesesteaks, bowls, and salads, hardly the type of ‘street eats’ you might find, well, anywhere. Still, the restaurant name has a certain catchiness to it, and the service is friendly and attentive, with plenty of two-floor excitement for large groups looking for a lively eating adventure and a varied menu. Tiki Jac’s took-over the former iconic Nicola Pizza location and has big restaurant shoes to fill, which may prove difficult given the bizarre mix of menu items that do not quite deliver the imprimatur of a food type; that is, when somebody asks you what type of food Tiki Jac’s serves, you are left to respond that it serves everything, and has good drinks. Here’s a tip: try Tiki Jac’s for lunch and then stroll-over to sister restaurant Zogg’s for dinner, followed by an evening expresso wondering whether either restaurant’s menu has anything to do with the name or ambiance. A free virgin pina colada for anyone who can make the connection – just ask for Jac.