Last Thursday marked a milestone for Ambergris Caye, Belize, with the soft-opening of a new, and rather interesting, bar on the island, Crocs Sunset Sports Bar. Crocs is located a short drive north of the bridge in an area called ‘Tres Cocos’. It’s a beautiful, multi-story bar with a thatched palapa roof that overlooks the lagoon side of the island, and it just so happens that Crocs Sunset Sports Bar also where you’ll find some of the best sunset views on the island.

The raised first story of the bar offers a nice mix of covered and outside tables and a lounge area. There is a large bar area itself, and ample TVs for catching the latest sporting events.

The second story, or top floor, will be reserved for meetings and private functions. Corporations, businesses, and wedding parties can reserve this space and enjoy a separate bar and seating area for their guests. I love this floor as you have 360 degree views from up here. It will be gorgeous when completely finished and open for bookings!

Signature Drinks at Crocs Sunset Bar

Aside from the usual menu of cocktails and local beers, Crocs is experimenting with a variety of homemade infused vodkas. We sampled a couple of the available ones that day, including a watermelon basil mojito ($18 BZ) and a rosemary Moscow mule ($16 BZ). The one I am most excited to try when it’s available is a tomato basil Bloody Mary ($18 BZ).

Other interesting drinks on the menu include the tamarind pineapple margarita ($18 BZ) and cucumber mint margarita ($18 BZ). The tamarind pineapple was served on the rocks and had a nice mix of heat and sweetness, while the cucumber mint was frozen and tasted refreshing and light.

Several drinks we didn’t try on the menu that I’d like to try in the future include:

• Peachy Margarita ($15 BZ)
• Pomegranate Fizz ($16 BZ)
• Vanilla Rose ($12 BZ)
• Jalapeño Margarita ($18 BZ)

Food Menu at Crocs

The soft-opening included a few bar snacks, appetizers, and small meals. Menu items included:

• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
• Pulled Pork Tacos
• Lollipop Wings
• Shrimp Ceviche
• Loaded Nachos
• Cheesy Fries
• Onion Rings
• Cheese Sticks
• Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Philly Cheese Burrito
• Cheeseburger

We initially tried the shrimp ceviche and lollipop wings. The ceviche had a stronger lime flavor versus other ceviches you will find in Belize, which was great. The lollipop wings were crispy and well-cooked. They arrived with two sauces, one mild and one that packed some serious heat.

When the rest of our group arrived, they ordered bacon wrapped shrimp and cheese sticks. We ordered loaded nachos to finish off the evening’s tasting. The nachos were a decent portion size, with shrimp, beans, onions, tomatoes, and sour cream.

Owner – Ivan Luna

Ivan Luna, a local Ambergris Caye resident, is the owner of Croc’s Sunset Sports Bar. Ivan and his brother Abner both bring years of bar and hospitality experience to this new venture. Along with a strong team supporting him, Ivan effortlessly handled a completely full house from sunset onward for the soft opening.

Sports, Sunsets, and Friends

With a variety of TVs spread throughout the bar, it will be easy to find a good spot to catch the latest sporting events. And, as the sun goes down, the elevated bar is an ideal place to grab a cocktail and watch the sunset. We were pretty darn lucky after what seemed like an endless couple of weeks of bad weather and rain. We were treated to a pretty amazing sunset and a partial rainbow off in another direction for the soft opening.

Just remember, if you’re prone to becoming a meal for hungry mosquitos like I am, spray lots of repellent before heading up — especially if you’ll be there at dusk. Despite a thick coating of repellent, several mosquitos still feasted on me while everyone else around me didn’t get bit even once.

If you’re looking for a bar that can cater to groups (without reserving the top floor), it’s easy to pull tables together or take the lounge area in the back. I joked with my group that I think I saw almost every single person I know on the island at some point during soft opening night. It’s a great place to chill for a few hours or make it part of your northern Ambergris Caye pub crawl.

Get Your Crocs Merchandise

If you’re interested in buying Crocs Sunset Sports Bar merchandise, they have a built in alcove that features t-shirts and more. I am absolutely in love with the logo, so I couldn’t help but get a shirt for myself as well.

Women’s shirts come in pink and black while men’s shirts are available in black and grey. The grey one is probably my favorite, but the brightly colored logo really pops on the black shirt as you can see on Ivan here.

More Information on Crocs Sunset Sports Bar

To get to Crocs Sunset Sports Bar, drive north of the bridge (there is a toll – $5 BZ each way). Follow the “new” paved road and, as it curves and turns to the left, you’ll see Crocs Sunset Bar on the left. Can’t miss it!

Crocs is open seven days a week. Ivan says future plans include an expanded menu, live music one night a week, as well as a “jam night” session where local musicians can come play.

To find out more on the official full grand opening, or to book the top floor for a private event, like the Crocs Sunset Sports Bar Facebook page.

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