For those of us who live in the city, finding a decent beach can be tough – at least one that’s close by. Just outside the city limits, right around where the wind turbines are found, restaurateur Tucker Curtain has opened a pretty cool beach bar called Woody’s (named so because it is located at Woodlawn Beach). Woody’s is fairly close in proximity to Tucker’s original waterfront success, Dug’s Dive.
We stopped by the beach bar yesterday to take a look around – to see what Tucker’s new bar and grill had to offer. If you’ve never been to Woodlawn Beach, you’ll be surprised to find an expansive beach that rivals even the best pristine beaches on the Canadian side. The sand is raked each day before colorful lounge chairs are set out. Woody’s has its own fencing in the sand, which delineates the area where people can order drinks from servers who actually visit beach-goers’ chairs (normally from 11am to 11pm, depending on time of year, weather and crowd). When we arrived to the beach it was mainly overcast and the clouds were just beginning to break. At around 3pm we found ourselves pretty much alone on the beach, drinking beers and relaxing. The volleyball net sat off to our right and a substantial children’s playground was also nearby, though on the other side of the beach fence (perfect for families with non-swimmers).
The sand at Woody’s is perfect. There’s plenty of room for lots of people without getting crowded. There’s a tiki bar on the beach and all of the water access that one needs. Plus, there are tons of state park amenities too, including a general store, bathroom facilities and a naturalist room with all sorts of wildlife displays and facts. Woody’s also has a bonfire pit that ‘beach patrol’ lights up at dusk. It’s located away from the water, up a sandy path, right next to the beach club. The club serves Mexican food such as mahi mahi tacos, chips and salsa, a cactus quesadilla, grilled skewered shrimp… and for the gringos there are dogs and burgers, fries and rings, etc. Of course the main reason that people belly up to the bar is the drink selection, serving up everything that a good taqueria should.
It’s mind-boggling to think that all of this is located so close to the city. For years people have complained that driving to Micky Rats and Sunset Bay was too far. Now, a short boat ride from Downtown lands you at a beach lover’s paradise!
Find Woody’s on Facebook. Lead photos by Jose Rodriguez and Woody’s