Tiki bar opening in Sanford
Soon people in downtown Sanford will be able to escape to a tropical getaway — while sipping on a rum drink — without leaving the Central Florida city.
The Suffering Bastard tiki bar will be opening in spring 2019 in downtown Sanford. The space is within the building housing Tuffy’s Bottle Shop & Lounge at 200 S. Myrtle Ave. in Sanford.
Co-owner Julian Burgos, who also co-owns Sanford cocktail bar Bitters & Brass, had considered opening a second bar in the area for a while now. Although fans suggested a speakeasy, Bitter & Brass’ dedicated following for its tiki specials on Thursdays pushed Burgos and his partner to decide to open a tiki bar instead.
“I like the idea of both the concepts being different from one another,” Burgos said.
Tiki bars began in the 1930s, Burgos said, with each displaying decor inspired by the south Pacific and serving rumbased cocktails.
“A traditional tiki bar, it has to make you feel like you’re escaping to a different place,” Burgos said.
Suffering Bastard will keep to the tradition of mixing primarily rum cocktails. The moniker itself comes from a cocktail, a traditional naming method among tiki bars.
Suffering Bastard isn’t a traditional tiki drink — it’s actually made with cognac and gin, Burgos said. The Sanford bar will be putting its own spin on the beverage — and other tiki classics.
A friend named Typhoon Tommy has undertaken creating the Suffering Bastard’s look. Burgos said Typhoon Tommy has crafted pieces throughout the space. Handmade or hand-painted weapons hang on the walls, which are covered in different textiles and woods.
“It makes it our own,” Burgos said of the decor.