The line that draws the separation between water and land is a little blurry at Paradise Tropical Restaurant and Bar in Sunrise Beach, but that’s how the owners say they want it.
“It’s a tropical restaurant, all open air,” said co-owner George Tucker. “(The restaurant) has been here for more than 20 years.”
Hanging almost out into the water, Tucker said it’s the laid back atmosphere combined with the location provide a place that patrons like to come to again and again.
“I’ve been eating here since I was a kid,” Tucker said.
The menu
If there’s one thing that helps Paradise set itself apart from others on the lake, it’s a very “important meal of the day” — breakfast.
“We have a breakfast buffet on weekends and holidays,” Tucker said.
This weekend, being the Labor Day holiday, Tucker said the restaurant will hold the buffet over the weekend and also on Monday, from 9 a.m.-noon.
On Tuesday, Tucker said the venue will host what he calls an “NFT party,” which he said is meant to celebrate the end of the summer season.
“That day, we decided to do half-priced drinks,” he said.
There are also menu items that Tucker said are regular favorites, including Irish nachos and the chicken of paradise sandwich.
“What we’re known for is our specialty chicken sandwhich, Chicken of Paradise,” Tucker said.“That’s our No. 1 seller.”
On the drink menu, Tucker said being a tropical restaurant, they specialize mostly in tropical-themed drinks, such as the Lava Flow or the Nectar of the Gods.
What else is offered
Paradise isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a place where patrons can get gas for their boat, shop at the gift shop or rent a boat or personal watercraft, too.
The PWCs rent at $250 per day. A boat, which typically is an open-bow, rents at $400 per day.
History
Tucker, who co-owns the venue with his brother, Gregory, said they bought the place three years ago. Since then, their goal has been to update and improve the restaurant, while not losing the original character.
“We’ve been making (the venue) better ever since,” Tucker said. “It’s one of those lake favorites.”
Some of the additions to the place include new docks and a wave break.
“That’s because we’re on the main channel,” Tucker said.
With the new gas pumps and gift shop, the venue has become a one-stop shop for people who need a moment to refuel their bodies and their boats.
Contact this reporter at jennifer.hollis@lakemediaonline.com
If you go
WHAT Paradise Tropical Restaurant and Bar
WHERE 430 Tropical Trail, Sunrise Beach
HOURS Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Weekends breakfast buffet, 9 a.m.-noon
OWNERS George and Gregory Tucker
INFO 573-374-4777
ONLINE www.paradisetropicalrestaurant.com
