Cynthia L. Herzog 
Since opening in April 2021, Hugman’s Oasis has created an escape from the ordinary, like most island-inspired hangouts do, with spectacular tiki drink presentations and warm hospitality. Now the Riverwalk bar also offers something to eat.
Hugman’s Oasis recently launched a small bites menu to complete the experience. Curated by celebrity chef Teddy Liang, the menu features appetizers, pork and chicken entrees, and desserts.
A Sunday afternoon with temperatures hovering around the 100 degree mark seemed like the perfect day to hide inside the resurgent Hugman Oasis with a cool drink and some new food.
Here’s what you need to know before you go.
Kalua pork sliders ($13), popcorn chicken ($14), and pork spring rolls ($12) are on the menu at Hugman’s Oasis.
Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.comHugman’s Oasis small bites are packed with flavor
The five-course menu includes Watermelon Coconut Bowl, Pork Spring Rolls, Popcorn Chicken, Kalua Pork Sliders and Pineapple Rum Cake. Prices range from $12 to $14.
We tried every option for good measure.
The watermelon coconut bowl is the eye-catcher. The acai bowl-shaped item is served on dry ice, resulting in a photo that looks straight out of a travel blog. The taste is just as uplifting and I’m not even a fan of fruit like that.
The crunch of the almonds mixed with the creamy coconut mixture was like a tropical dream. If the bar was empty, I wouldn’t be above drinking the coconut mix like a smoothie, straight from the bowl.
Our other favorite was the Kalua pork sliders. With crunchy sunomono pickles, buttery rolls topped with toasted almonds, and soy braised adobo, these little sandwiches had all the elements – crunchy, salty, and a little salty.
The pork spring rolls and popcorn chicken were nice additions. The lumpia type rolls had enough flavor regardless of the sweet chilli. If you don’t like spice, you can opt for the sesame teriyaki option for the chicken over the sweet chili marinade. The latter has a lot of heat.
The piña rum cake completed the evening. Rather than serving a slice of cake, Hugman’s Oasis makes the dessert as a stack of four or five moist bars topped with a small mound with sweet custard on top.
The Watermelon Coconut Bowl is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Pork spring rolls and chicken popcorn are dairy free.
Hugman’s Oasis offers two popcorn chicken options: sesame teriyaki or sweet chili ($14).
Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.comThe Hugman’s Oasis Experience
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit, your appetite will not be satisfied. With island decor, music, plentiful fresh ingredients and spectacular presentations, the bar soothes all the senses.
Service was prompt, despite a fairly busy night for the bar. The fruit was fresh and chilled, and the protein options were as hot as if you were the first to serve at a BBQ. This would be the perfect place to show up on a date for a nightcap and a sweet treat.
Pineapple Rum Cake ($12) at Hugman’s Oasis is served as a mound of candy bars topped with pastry cream.
Madalyn Mendoza, MySA.comLearn more
Hugman’s Oasis offers a daily “Cabana Hour” from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Yes, that also means weekends.
You can find Hugman’s Oasis on the Riverwalk level at 135 E. Commerce Street. Paid parking is available in garages across the street.
Hours of operation are 4 p.m. to midnight Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
