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Belize It! Lake Of The Ozarks Nautifish Rum Bar Owner Opens A New Location In Caribbean Paradise

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Belize It! Lake Of The Ozarks Nautifish Rum Bar Owner Opens A New Location In Caribbean Paradise

If you’re looking for a familiar feel of the Lake of the Ozarks while out on your next tropical vacation, you may just find that in Belize. 

On the coast of Ambergris Caye with only three roads, travelers and locals alike can find the newest addition: Nautifish Rum Bar Belize. With your favorite comfort foods, live music and games with a view that you can’t beat, Nautifish is a getaway on its own. 

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Courtesy of Nautifish Rum Bar Belize Facebook

After 10 years of staying located on the 3.5 MM, Rob and Melissa Shields, owners of both Nautifish Rum Bar locations, decided it was time to expand. After learning Ambergris Caye was going to be the next best spot, the Shields knew it was a great opportunity. The second restaurant was officially open to the public on February 28.

“The idea was to try to get into a tropical location because you know, ‘nauti’ by nature, right? We love nautical things,” said Shields. “It took us a long time but we finally found the perfect spot.”

While the menu may still be under construction to better serve customers, there are still plenty of delicious drink and food options for customers to choose from.  Enjoy some of the classic rum-infused drinks, island beef nachos or other crave-filling entrees all while on the beautiful white sands of San Pedro. One of the local favorites? The Shrimp Ceviche. 

So, what makes the food so tasty? Because it’s all fresh ingredients, daily. Every day, the staff goes out on their golf cart to the local fishermen and produce hut to bring only the best quality products back to the kitchen. 

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Courtesy of Nautifish Rum Bar Belize Facebook

The behind-the-scenes crew have been hard at work mastering a menu built for the customers as well as testing out new food and drink items. Head chef Wendy Hernández and bar manager Papio Cab  have played a large role in establishing a menu, Shields said. 

No matter who comes to his tiki bar in paradise, Shields wants every customer to have nothing but a great experience. 

“It’s all about the atmosphere,” he said. “I want you to be smiling, laughing, dancing. We’re a family (here).”

Shields said creating a bar and restaurant in another country couldn’t have been possible without the help from a few people. Nick Hardy, co-owner of Nautifish Rum Bar Belize, stays on the island 346 days a year dedicated to helping build the business. Shields’ wife, Melissa, has also contributed to the establishment of a second location. 

“They do a lot of work (for the business),” said Shields. “(Melissa is) an enforcer that pretty much makes Nick and I accountable.” 

Looking ahead, Shields is excited for the future of both (and potentially more) locations of Nautifish. The official grand opening will be held in the beginning of July, and Shields said he expects it to be a big festival.

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Courtesy of Nautifish Rum Bar Belize Facebook

Next winter, Nautifish, along with other Lake of the Ozarks bar favorites, will be hosting a joint party in Belize for anyone and everyone to join. 

“It’s an easy flight (from) Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis,” said Shields. “It’s all very unique bars in paradise.”

What’re you waiting for? Grab your passport for all the food and drinks you can get at Nautifish Rum Bar in Belize. 

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