A Tiki Paradise Debuts in the South End

It’s about to get a little warmer in the South End — yes, winter is coming, but so is Shore Leave, a Tiki bar from the team behind coastal Italian gem Bar Mezzana (which happens to be located a two-minute walk away). The sprawling, tropically decorated restaurant debuts Monday, November 19, at 5 p.m.

Situated down a few steps — and past a few LED Tiki torches — at 11 William E. Mullins Wy., Shore Leave vaults visitors into the mindset of an island vacation with its tropical plant wallpaper, scalloped wood accents, bamboo bar bases, and a playlist directed by Boston cocktail expert, Tiki enthusiast, and musician Brother Cleve. It’s a fitting vibe, since the restaurant takes its name from a naval tradition of sending sailors ashore for time off.

The space was designed by local firm Hacin + Associates, which also worked on Myers + Chang, State Park, and other popular Boston-area restaurants, and built by Boston-based Cafco Construction, which was behind Row 34, Tiger Mama, and more.

Shore Leave comes to Boston’s South End from the aforementioned Bar Mezzana team, including Colin Lynch, Heather Lynch, Jefferson Macklin, and Ryan Lotz. Lotz, as beverage director, has created a rum-soaked menu of Tiki beverages for the bar.

There’s the namesake Shore Leave cocktail, for example, made with local Privateer rum, Jamaican rum, passion fruit, lime, bitters, Madeira, and molasses. Other options include the Mexican Pearl (tequila that’s been flash-blended with tamarind, butter, and warming spices) and the Amaro di Cocco, which blends a Negroni with a pina colada and includes two rums, toasted coconut, Campari, sweet vermouth, and pineapple juice.

Meanwhile, the food — from chef Colin Lynch — travels around the Pacific Rim, drawing inspiration from Thailand, Hawaii, China, Vietnam, and beyond. Think bluefin tuna poke, Filipino barbecue ribs, pork belly bao, and a whole Rohan duck with pancakes, hoisin, and all the fixings.

Customers can peruse their cocktail options on a menu that shows off photos of some of the Tiki glassware on hand at Shore Leave, including coconut-shaped mugs and skull-shaped vessels. (The mug in which the Shore Leave cocktail is served will soon be available for sale.) In addition to the single-serving cocktails, Shore Leave offers large-format drinks for two to six people, plus non-alcoholic cocktails, wine, and beer.

Starting tonight, Shore Leave is open daily for dinner service from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., with bar service available until 1 a.m. Look for it below CVS.

• Shore Leave Coverage on Eater [EBOS]
• Shore Leave Is about to Rain Tiki Cocktails on the South End [BM]
• Shore Leave [Official Site]