Rumba Island Grill may be known for its fresh-catch seafood, but lately, the in-house smoked meats have started to steal the show.
Smoked low and slow, every single day, Rumba’s lineup goes well beyond what you might expect from a laid-back island grill. We’re talking smoked wings, ribs, whole chicken, pork, and even a smoked fish spread, all done in-house, with no shortcuts. If you have a summertime barbecue on the mind, this is the place to get it. And at the end of it, there’s no mess for you to clean up.
Caribbean flavors and in-house smoked meats
On a recent visit, we tried the Caribbean pulled pork and the Montego Bay half chicken, and both delivered that deep, smoky flavor you can only get from doing things the right way. The meat is prepared perfectly on its own, but it’s the signature Caribbean flavor at Rumba that takes both dishes over the top. The citrus-splash marinade on the half chicken gives it a juicy, island kick, while the citrus rub and tropical BBQ sauce on the pulled pork balance the smoky meat perfectly.
Meanwhile, their smoked wings continue to be among our favorites anywhere in town. Insider tip: these smoked beauties are available for only 99 cents each, all day every day. Slow smoked, flash fried and chargrilled for that perfect smoky flavor, they’re served with your choice of cranberry jerk, tropical bbq, or buffalo hot. It’s a steal of a deal.
We love Rumba for their fresh catch seafood, and their fleet of boats are out on the Gulf every morning bringing the good stuff straight to the restaurant. We won’t give up the fish, but we’re discovering there’s much more to love at Rumba with these smoked meats. It’s the kind of menu twist that catches you off guard in the best way, especially if you came in thinking seafood would be the main event.
But that’s the beauty of Rumba. You show up for the beachy atmosphere and fresh flavors, and end up discovering something you didn’t expect.
And once you’re there, it’s easy to stay awhile.
Dinner and a show, plus all-day happy hour fun
Live music takes over on Friday and Saturday nights, turning dinner into a full evening out. The musician doesn’t just stay on stage; he makes his way from table to table, pulling diners into the performance and creating a more interactive, engaging experience. Once the sun goes down, the space shifts, with soft, glowing string lights giving everything that relaxed, island-style ambiance.
It’s the perfect excuse to stick around after happy hour, and speaking of that, yes, the happy hour deals are still just as good. You’ll still find $2.99 beers alongside crowd-pleasing cocktails like the signature rum punch, making it easy to ease into the evening and rhythm of the music.
Rumba’s all-day happy hour keeps the libations flowing, at both their indoor and outdoor bars. Any time you visit, you can select a variety of 2-4-1 $7.99 cocktails, mixed drinks, sangrias, and the Rumba libation – their signature rum punch. Or, you can go for the classic and enjoy their $2.99 mugs of beer.
No matter what you choose, it’s an island paradise where every hour is happy hour.
So while the seafood still hits, don’t overlook what’s coming out of the smoker. It might just be the reason you come back.
Rumba is open Sunday-Thursday from 11:30 am – 9 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 am – 9:30 pm. Visit Rumba at 6445 4th St. N.