By PAMELA CODY
Special to the PRESS
January 29, 2015
Ask any Island resident what they consider the quintessential locals bar of South Padre Island to be, and the overwhelming answer is The Coral Reef Lounge, one of the most popular watering holes on SPI. The Reef, as it’s affectionately known, celebrated its 19th anniversary on Sunday afternoon, January 25th, offering free chili with all the fixings, popcorn and dessert to all its patrons to celebrate their milestone. Jeff Crocker provided the entertainment, and the place was filled to capacity with long-time local customers and Winter Texans, all enjoying the free food, libations, lively atmosphere and great music.
Chris Kobel, the 82 year-old owner of the Reef, worked the room, greeting customers, telling jokes and making sure everyone was having a good time. Known to his friends as Ya-Ya, Kobel, a salty old dog with his trademark cap and customary cigar in hand, spoke about his establishment and its longevity. “If I knew how to run a bar, I’d go broke!” he said with a twinkle in his eye. “We have good music and super bartenders, the best on the island, and I’ve been blessed with loyal customers, they are number one. We all work together as one big family.” He spoke about his varied career, hailing from the Elgin and Naperville areas of Chicago. “I’ve had my own business for 50 years. I had a furniture store for 25 years, then I had 8 video stores. Know why? ‘Cause nobody’d hire me!” he cracked.
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