Tucked away on Jackson Avenue in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar is the kind of place that makes you feel like you stumbled upon a secret. With a 4.7-star rating from over 760 happy visitors, this colorful, kitschy spot is winning hearts with its tropical vibes, creative cocktails, and seriously impressive food.
Whether you’re a local or just passing through before a cruise, this funky little bar might just serve up the best Reuben sandwich you’ve ever tasted. Get ready to discover everything that makes Ellie Mae’s a must-visit gem on Florida’s Space Coast.
The Legendary Reuben Sandwich at Ellie Mae’s
Some sandwiches are just meals. Others are memories.
At Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar, the Reuben falls firmly into the second category, stacking corned beef, melted Swiss cheese, tangy sauerkraut, and creamy Thousand Island dressing on perfectly toasted rye bread.
What makes this sandwich stand out isn’t just the ingredients — it’s the care that goes into every bite. Reviewers consistently rave about the quality of food coming out of this kitchen, noting that you can taste the effort behind each dish.
The French dip and pot roast get plenty of love, but the Reuben quietly holds its own as a crowd favorite.
If you’re skeptical that a tiki bar can deliver sandwich greatness, one visit will change your mind. Order it with their beloved coleslaw on the side — sweet, moist, and crunchy — and you’ve got yourself a proper Florida feast.
The Unforgettable Tiki Bar Atmosphere
Walking into Ellie Mae’s feels like stepping into a cheerful tropical dream. Tiki decor, colored Christmas lights, and creative island-inspired touches turn an ordinary bar into a mini vacation destination right in the heart of Cape Canaveral.
The indoor bar has its own cozy charm, but the real magic happens out back. There’s an outdoor tiki bar area complete with a sand floor, a band stage, and just enough shade to keep things comfortable on a warm Florida afternoon.
Locals and visitors alike describe it as feeling like a “mini vacation” without ever leaving town.
Whether you’re sipping a cocktail under the string lights or letting your toes sink into the sand while live music fills the air, the atmosphere here is one-of-a-kind. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget your to-do list entirely.
Peel and Eat Shrimp That Steals the Show
Ask almost any regular at Ellie Mae’s what to order, and the peel and eat shrimp will come up fast. Served hot or cold, these shrimp are surprisingly generous in size — guests consistently describe them as “unexpectedly large” and cooked exactly right.
There’s something deeply satisfying about sitting outside in the sand, peeling fresh shrimp while a cool drink sweats in your hand and good music drifts through the warm Florida air. It’s a simple pleasure, but Ellie Mae’s does it beautifully.
The shrimp are tender, flavorful, and seasoned just enough to make you reach for another before you’ve finished the first.
Pair them with one of the bar’s signature tiki cocktails, and you’ve got a combination that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or just curious, this dish is absolutely worth ordering on your first visit.
Creative Tiki Cocktails Worth Every Sip
Ellie Mae’s takes its cocktail game seriously. From classic tiki drinks to inventive house creations, the bar menu is a tropical playground for anyone who loves a well-crafted drink.
Bartenders here are described by customers as “fabulous” — and that reputation is well earned.
One standout creation is Peyton’s Launch Pad, a watermelon and cucumber mojito with coconut rum invented by bartender Peyton. It started as a custom order and quickly became a crowd favorite because, honestly, it’s that good.
The new tiki cocktail menu has also been getting rave reviews, with fresh flavors that complement the updated food options.
Whether you prefer something fruity and frozen or a strong classic with a tropical twist, the bartenders here know how to read the room. Strong pours, good energy, and creative recipes make every round feel like a celebration.
Cheers to that.
The Turkey Bacon Fig Jam Sandwich — A Hidden Gem
Not every great sandwich gets the spotlight it deserves. The Turkey Bacon Fig Jam sandwich at Ellie Mae’s is one of those quietly brilliant menu items that regulars keep coming back for while new visitors discover it with wide eyes and happy taste buds.
The combination of savory turkey, crispy bacon, and sweet fig jam sounds unusual at first — but one bite makes it all click. Sweet and salty flavors balance each other in a way that feels both unexpected and completely right.
It shows up in multiple reviews as a personal favorite, often mentioned alongside the peel and eat shrimp as a must-order pairing.
Owner Peg clearly has a talent for curating a menu that goes beyond the ordinary. This sandwich is proof that Ellie Mae’s isn’t just a bar with food — it’s a place where the food genuinely matters and gets the attention it deserves.
Live Music and Weekend Entertainment
On weekends, Ellie Mae’s transforms into one of Cape Canaveral’s liveliest entertainment spots. Local bands take the stage in the outdoor area, filling the sand-floored space with music that ranges from laid-back island vibes to crowd-pumping dance sets.
It’s the kind of energy that makes strangers feel like old friends.
The venue also hosts trivia nights, karaoke, and other weekly events that keep the calendar packed and the community engaged. Checking the Facebook page or website before you visit is a smart move — you’ll want to plan your trip around a night that matches your mood.
One reviewer summed it up perfectly: missing the live music made them want to come back even more. That says a lot about the kind of atmosphere Ellie Mae’s creates.
Between the music, the cocktails, and the good company, a night here rarely disappoints.
Dog-Friendly Vibes at the Outdoor Tiki Area
Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar is named after the owner’s adorable pup, so it should come as no surprise that four-legged guests are more than welcome here. The outdoor tiki area is fully dog-friendly, with staff who genuinely love animals and show it in the sweetest ways.
One reviewer shared that their server, Jill, brought their dog a bowl of water and a piece of bacon without being asked. Another couple brought their dog Turbo and raved about how comfortable and welcomed he felt in the sandy outdoor space.
It’s the kind of small, thoughtful gesture that turns a good experience into a great memory.
For pet owners who hate leaving their furry companions behind, Ellie Mae’s is a rare find. You can enjoy great food, cold drinks, and live music while your dog lounges beside you in the sand.
That’s a Florida afternoon done right.
Owner Peg — The Heart Behind the Bar
Every great neighborhood spot has a person at its center who makes everything feel special. At Ellie Mae’s, that person is Peg, the owner and driving force behind this beloved Cape Canaveral hangout.
Customers describe her as a “real sweetheart” who has poured her heart and soul into building something truly community-centered.
Peg is often spotted moving through the bar, chatting with regulars, welcoming newcomers, and making sure everyone feels at home. Her passion for the business shows in every detail — from the thoughtfully curated menu to the warm, inclusive atmosphere she’s cultivated over five years of operation.
Celebrating the bar’s fifth birthday recently, Peg earned praise from loyal customers who called her a “one-of-a-kind badass woman entrepreneur.” That kind of loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from someone who genuinely cares, and Ellie Mae’s is a direct reflection of that care every single day.
A Welcoming Spot for Cruise Visitors and Tourists
Cape Canaveral is a major cruise departure point, which means thousands of travelers pass through looking for a great meal and a memorable experience before setting sail. Ellie Mae’s has become a go-to stop for exactly that crowd — and for good reason.
Reviewers who discovered the bar while preparing for cruises consistently describe it as exceeding expectations. The casual, welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to relax, the food is fast and flavorful, and the staff treats first-timers like longtime regulars.
One couple said it simply: “It did NOT disappoint.”
The mix of indoor and outdoor seating means there’s a comfortable spot for every kind of traveler — whether you want to catch a live band outside or unwind quietly at the indoor bar. For anyone passing through the Cape Canaveral area, skipping Ellie Mae’s would be a genuine missed opportunity worth regretting.
Blackened Chicken Sandwich — The Newest Fan Favorite
When Ellie Mae’s rolled out its updated menu, the blackened chicken sandwich quickly climbed to the top of the must-try list. Reviewers specifically called it out as a highlight of the new offerings, praising its bold seasoning and satisfying flavor profile that hits all the right notes.
Blackening is a cooking technique that creates a deeply spiced, slightly charred crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Done right, it’s a flavor experience that’s hard to match — and based on customer feedback, Ellie Mae’s kitchen is doing it very right.
The sandwich has quickly earned loyal fans who return specifically to order it again.
It’s a great choice for anyone who wants something with a little more kick than a classic deli-style sandwich. Bold, satisfying, and full of personality — much like the bar that serves it.
Definitely worth adding to your order.
Daily Specials and Events That Keep Things Fresh
One of the smartest things about Ellie Mae’s is that there’s always something new to look forward to. Daily specials keep the menu exciting and give regulars a reason to come back throughout the week.
Monday nights, for example, have featured all-you-can-eat crab and shrimp — a deal that draws crowds and earns serious praise.
Beyond the food specials, the weekly event lineup is packed with personality. Trivia nights, karaoke, live music, and themed holiday celebrations keep the vibe fresh and the community connected.
The Christmas season at Ellie Mae’s reportedly goes all out — holiday drinks, festive decorations, and a spirit that earned the bar the title of “heart of our community” from one loyal reviewer.
Checking the bar’s Facebook page or website before visiting is always a smart move. You might just stumble onto a special event that turns a regular Tuesday into something worth remembering for years.
The Slider — Small Bites, Big Flavor
Not every great thing comes in a large package. Ellie Mae’s sliders are proof that good things come in small, saucy, totally satisfying bites.
Loaded with juicy meat, melted cheese, and just the right amount of toppings, these little sandwiches punch well above their weight class.
They’re the kind of snack you order to share but somehow end up keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick lunch or just need something to soak up your tiki cocktail, sliders hit the spot every single time.
Order a round — you absolutely will not regret it.
The Mai Tai — Tropical Sipping Done Right
The Mai Tai has been the unofficial ruler of tiki bar menus since the 1940s, and at Ellie Mae’s, they give it the respect it deserves. Rum, fresh citrus, and a whisper of almond syrup come together in a glass that practically radiates Florida sunshine.
One sip and you’re transported somewhere between the tropics and pure vacation bliss. It’s bold, fruity, and refreshingly balanced — not too sweet, not too sharp.
Whether you’ve been ordering Mai Tais for years or this is your first rodeo with one, Ellie Mae’s version is the kind that sticks with you long after the glass is empty.
How to Find Us — Getting to Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar
Ellie Mae’s Tiki Bar is nestled in Port Canaveral, Florida — and yes, finding a hidden gem sometimes means actually tracking it down first. The good news is it’s easier than you’d expect.
Just minutes from the cruise terminal, the bar is a short drive and even walkable for some visitors arriving by ship.
Look for the tiki-style signage and the breezy outdoor seating area that gives the whole place its laid-back personality. Street parking is usually available nearby.
Locals, tourists, and cruise passengers alike make it a regular stop — and once you visit, you’ll completely understand why they keep coming back.