Shaka Taco partners with Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden for stellar sips, swings and sustenance in Hampstead.
Shaka brah! Beloved Surf City taco joint Shaka Taco has made a name for itself by shelling out fabulous seafood and Mexican-inspired fusion fare amid relaxing outdoor environs since its flagship location first opened in 2017.
A few years back, the duo behind the successful Shaka Taco business, Cody Leutgens and Steve Christian, struck a deal with Ted Coughlin of Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden in Hampstead to collaborate on a sequel Shaka Taco location adjacent to the Ironclad Golf Course — and to take on the financial task of refurbishing and bringing new life to the longtime golf course while they were at it.
“We tried to compartmentalize our goals,” Leutgens says. “Our first goal was to get the restaurant open while making it look as Shaka Taco-y as possible.”
After handling the restaurant piece, the partners shifted their attention to upfitting the outdoor space into a multi-use venue for live music, cornhole and outdoor games, a farmers market and a beer garden. Then, it was time to go for the big swing: to freshen up the driving range, along with addressing course irrigation issues.
Next on the queue? “Our list just keeps growing,” Leutgens says. “Right now we are focused on the beautification of the 176 acres and prettying the place up as much as possible.”
While the two concur they do not think the space will ever be fully complete in terms of adding amenities and branding, the 18-hole course is now fully open — and it’s a place that amplifies a casual and welcoming space for golfers of all ages and levels. The course is not your run-of-the-mill country club experience featuring buttoned-up business people.
It is a casual oasis for a laidback game and chill hangs sans a dress code — except the owners emphasize that shirts are in fact required.
“The golf industry can be kind of stuffy,” Christian says. “We’re creating that Shaka beachy casual vibe here.”
That vibe is complete with a pair of putting greens, 25 hitting mats, a revamped short game facility and a shaded sitting area, with lots of room for novice and seasoned players to show up and practice in a judgement-free space.
This is not your grandpa’s golf course. All levels of golfers feel comfortable here.
Beyond the all-are-welcome golfing experience, the off-the-beaten path outpost leans into fostering connections and comfort via its entertainment offerings and weekly events, plus its famed annual extravaganzas such as Shaktoberfest, essentially a “Shaka-fied” Oktoberfest party. From the Thursday afternoon farmers market to regional musicians ready to jam from Thursdays to Sundays to weekly trivia, cornhole and open mic nights (not to mention a pay-to-play pickleball course), the beer garden/restaurant/golf course is a full-on event venue that simultaneously exudes approachability and the coastal laidback flair for which Shaka Taco is known.
What’s more, the one-of-a-kind setting continues to lean on the taco hotspot’s OG focus of providing “fresh eats, fresh vibes,” with the same locally sourced fare patrons know and love.
But with a bigger cooking space, there is more room for creativity from the kitchen — picture mouthwatering specials such as birria tacos and ramen.
“Our kitchen team is wildly talented,” Leutgens says. “The drive and energy they put into the food, the specials, the presentation and the whole gamut is impressive.”
Another consistent aspect of the Shaka Taco Hampy and Surf City locations is contributing to the community.
“The Hampstead space has allowed us more opportunities to host, which we love,” Leutgens says. “You name it, we’re game to have it at the Shaka house.”
Think School of Rock performance nights, charity events, spirit nights, faith chapters, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts fundraisers, homeschool gatherings, classic yoga, goat yoga and a monthly craft market courtesy of the Hampstead Farmers Market.
The community-oriented co-owners are also always eager to give a shout to their talented team, from maintenance staff to managers, bartenders to chefs and everyone in between. “We could do nothing without them, they are the glue and the oil,” Leutgens says.
Looking farther ahead, these self-proclaimed “opportunistic dudes” have hopes to implement a clubhouse that will operate as a lounge-y space for guests to chill and feel like a part of the Shaka fam — with more improvements and ideas always on the horizon too.
“It’s a come-as-you-are type space and it’s embedded in the community,” Christian says. “We’re just here to improve it and provide a space to bring your kids, your dog or your friend’s dog.”
TACO BOUT IT
Shaka Taco Hampstead / Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden
2368 Country Club Drive, Hampstead
(910) 274-9733
ironcladgolf.com
@shaka_taco
