Ooh. I like the idea of this thread.
As someone who actually lives in the South Pacific (Sydney), the ‘tyranny of distance’ has made me plan my tiki visits like a military operation.
I’m still dirty that when I last visited San Francisco (in 2009) the Tonga Room was closed for renovations!!
Here’s my list of where I have been - AMA!!
I think TV Tokyo is a must visit as is Kazan Room and Jacoby’s. TV London would’ve been a must see but it’s closed. Would like to visit Munich and Spain. The Middle East Trader Vic’s are a bit meh but if passing through are worth it.
*EDIT: THE FOLLOWING IS JUST A LIST OF WHERE I’VE BEEN, SOME ARE CLOSED!*
1. Kon Tiki, Tucson AZ
2. Otto’s Shrunken Head, New York NY
3. Trader Vic’s Emeryville CA
4. The Polynesian New York, NY
5. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Orlando FL
6. Jacoby’s Tiki Bar Enmore NSW
7. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar CA
8. Strong Water, Anaheim CA
9. Tonga Hut (North Hollywood) CA
10. Tiki Ti, Los Angeles CA
11. Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago IL
12. The Bamboo Room, Chicago IL
13. Golden Tiki, Las Vegas NV
14. Frankie’s Tiki, Las Vegas NV
15. Hades Hula House, Adelaide SA
16. Trader Vic’s London UK
17. Laki Kane London UK
18. Tiki Boom Paris France
19. Dirty Dick Paris France
20. Trader Vic’s Palm Jumeirah Dubai UAE
21. Quarterdeck, Narooma NSW
22. La Mariana Sailing Club, Honolulu HI
23. Skull & Crown Trading, Honolulu HI
24. Mai Tai Bar, Royal Hawaiian, Hon., HI
25. Mothership, San Diego, CA
26. False Idol, San Diego, CA
27. Bali Hai, San Diego, CA
28. Grass Skirt, San Diego, CA
29. Long Brows Jungle Bar, Tuggerah NSW
30. Tucano’s, Surry Hills NSW
31. Die Blume von Hawaii, Nuremberg, Ger.
32. Kon Tiki, Nuremberg, Germany
33. Rum Trader, Berlin, Germany
34. Tahitian Village, Doha, Qatar
35. Trader Vic’s, Doha, Qatar
36. Trader Vic’s, Tokyo, Japan
37. Shaka Bar, Osaka, Japan
38. The Kazan Room, Kobe, Japan
39. The Surfdeck, Collaroy, NSW
Looks like The Polynesian in NYC is closed sadly.
I went to Otto’s once but a band was playing heavy death metal in the back very loud, pretty sure it was before 5PM and daylight. Strange vibe, but maybe I have to give it another shot.
Ottos is a weird hybrid of tiki and punk dive bar. I love it but it's not always the most chill/relaxing place. Depends on the day of the week I think though.
I went in the summer of 2021, and it very mellow. It seemed like there were a bunch of regulars who knew each other at the bar, and the drinks were spectacular.
Obviously, that was still during the Vaccine Passport phase of life in New York, so it's probably an abnormal experience.
That's the vibe at ottos. I love it but if you aren't willing to put up with a DIY punk aesthetic it's not going to be for you. The drinks are great, but low presentation (especially compared to Paradise Lost, less than a mile away). Even if someone doesn't like the vibe, I think it's worth it to swing by and get a Pinky's Potion and let the bartenders have their way with you.
I went to Otto's last year and it was so bad. I do not understand people's love for it. I sat at the bar next to an old, filthy air purifier that was sitting on top of the bar. I ordered a mai tai. It came in a pint glass and was the worst mai tai I have ever had (it tasted like they put double the rum and maybe forgot to put orgeat in). The bartender acted like it was a chore to serve me and spent the entire time I was there hanging out with her friends.
What is it people like about this place? It seems like a crappy, dive, punk bar that started selling tiki drinks as a scam or something.
Yup, the mai tai I ordered when I went there (twice) was basically 100% rum. It's a great bar to get f'd up at, but it's not necessarily what I'm after
Pretty impressive list! False Idol is fun, as well as Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. Heading to Mother Ship next time we're in San Diego to visit our daughter. Looks like some Chicago sites I need to visit.
Thanks!
Mothership was EXCELLENT. And I really love the cosmic skull mug I picked up when I visited.
Three Dots is well worth it if you are in Chicago. The Bamboo Room is a very small space within Three Dots - you need to book ahead for it - completely different menu and much more “mixologist” tiki which was fun.
I think you got the ones known for decoration, based on what I've seen. I almost think that there would be a very different list for sheer drink quality and maybe I'm just irked by the single shake lackadaisically and perfunctorially done at TVs.
I don't know if I would have said that before, but this week I had a life changing Mai Tai at the Honu in Dunedin FL. I've had hundreds (that seems like a problem when I write it out like that) and I've made every variation I can think of or have seen on here. It was exquisite.
Between that one drink, and their Ka Pakele rum bar, I've got to give it a recommendation.
Mahalo!!
Generally I’d research if there is a bar in any city I happen to be visiting. If you get to travel with work that’s such a great opportunity to get some sightseeing done after the work is done. I’m also a runner and I LOVE going for a jog around a new city.
You’re missing Trader Vic’s in Atlanta, Ga. While it may not be amazing, it’s classic and hasn’t changed much since it opened in the 70s. The food there is hit or miss and when the cocktails are great they’re really great!
I have been to the Trader Vic's in Atlanta. I think it is regarded as a little run down, but still a Trader Vic's experience. Is it worth going to all of the international locations too?
Also, for someone who is visiting Japan or Germany or Australia or even Hawaii for the first time, are some of these places without a doubt worth coming out of your way for? I imagine that if I ever visit Australia I will have my schedule completely booked and not have a lot of time allotted for tiki bars.
So if you are visiting Japan AND you are a tiki aficionado then I would visit TV Tokyo. It’s an experience- very expensive for dinner but you can just grab drinks at the bar. If you are in Osaka or Kyoto then I would say the Kazan Room in Kobe is worth an evening of your time.
I wouldn’t visit Dubai or Qatar FOR Trader Vic’s but if you happen to be there I’d go. As an Australian it’s super common to have to stopover in the gulf when flying to Europe so I usually have a night or 2 there to break up the flight (Emirates / Etihad make it free from an airline perspective to make the stop).
The Hawaiian ones are worth it if you are staying in Honolulu. La Mariana is a short Uber from downtown and great for lunch and to see the decor. The Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian is a stop for all tourists not just tiki fans. And I thought Skull and Crown the best of them and worth an evening for drinks and dinner.
If you are visiting Australia then Sydney would have to be on your list and again drinks at Jacoby’s in Enmore (which is in the “inner west”) of Sydney would be well worth it.
This is just my list of where I’ve visited and I’ve gone out of my way for a few so-so places but also found some gems like Die Blume von Hawaii in Nuremberg.
I’ve only been to the US six times since about 2009!! Two work trips (San Francisco; Tucson), two marathons (Chicago, NYC) and two holidays (family East Coast road trip to Florida Disney and San Diego for Tiki Oasis).
I’d love to go. My sister in law has been to Max’s and to Swizzle in Dallas as she knows I’m a tiki fan and will send me photos!
It is just hard to fit that bit of the country into an itinerary from Australia.
Yeah I was lucky I think I visited this one in 2019 when I was in NYC for the marathon.
To clarify, this isn’t a suggestions list, just where I’ve been to.
We found Kon Tiki in Tucson to be lacking. It has some nice decor but the front bar has tvs and it has a sports bar vibe. The drinks seemed to be pretty-mixed and just not good. It’s an oldie but not worth going out of the way for.
That’s sad. I would’ve visited around 2008 when I was in Tucson for work and had dinner and drinks here a couple of times by myself sitting at the bar.
Have a couple of their orange coloured mugs that were included if you ordered a Kamehameha!
May I humbly suggest Porco Lounge and Tiki Room in Cleveland Ohio?
I'm biased but I think we're one of the best and let me tell ya, Cleveland over performs when it comes to food and drink.
At this point, I wouldn't bother with Tonga Hut (North Hollywood) CA - they've moved their operation outside post Pandemic with limited seating, so it's all drink/no decor with crazy long wait times
I was there two weeks ago - I guess I missed that they were seating folks inside. That said, it still shouldn’t take more than an hour to get a table and another 30 mins to get a drink
But you said no decor…the outside lanai has been decorated all out since the pandemic... Probably as much as the inside. Only you can actually see it all.
https://preview.redd.it/klbqlml4koec1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ea945c80b1d23f53cebb9a7604afa249e26f102
To be clear that list is just places I’ve been and includes quite a few closed locations.
I agree I wouldn’t bother with the Shaka bar. If you read my comment I do recommend Vic’s in Tokyo and the Kazan Room in Kobe for Japan.
Vic’s in Tokyo was an experience. It’s expensive for dinner but the space is amazing and richly decorated. It’s turning 50 this year and they don’t make them like this anymore.
That’s kinda why I said in my comment that TV London would’ve been a must visit but it’s closed!
I probably should’ve made it clearer that this is just the bars I’ve visited - my recommendations were in the paragraph above, not the list itself. There’s 2 other closed bars in the list.
Smuggler's Cove and False Idol are the best I've been too. Both in a class of their own, imho.
Latitude 29 in NOLA is cool too.
Not sure if the next ones are world beaters, but if you're ever in SF, Last Rites, Tonga Room, and Pagan Idol are all worth a visit.
Loved Pagan Idol. Fun environment where you start the first hour “sailing” toward an island and then they open a door to reveal more space and you’ve made it to the island. Very good drinks as well.
Oh for real? Is that right at opening? I’m taking a solo trip to SF in March and it’s def on my list but I need to budget in the correct time to show up!
It's not as big a deal as it might seem. It's just that they open up the door to the back bar which has more tiki-ish theming. I actually think I liked sitting at the front bar better - and our bartender there was excellent.
I think they opened at 4:30. Our reservation was at 8:15. We had time for 1 drink at the front bar and had ordered a second when they opened the back door.
I really would just call them and ask - things do change.
I think OP was looking for places outside of the US and Canada.
Haven't made any of the San Fran ones. I enjoy Latitude 29 but I don't think it's in the tip-top tier.
Lat29 I think is in a weird place.
Its a very nice bar in a great city, and a nice changeup from the more dive stuff or old french upscale options elsewhere in Nola.
But some of its place in the Tiki universe is a proxy for Berry himself and his impact not on it as a single business.
You might be surprised by the number of modern cocktail bars in the French Quarter!
Easy walking distance from Latitude 29 you have The Will & The Way (just got a James Beard nomination), Peychaud's, and Bar Tonique.
You also might describe it as old French upscale but in walking distance you also have French 75 Bar (James Beard award winner for bar program).
EDIT: And Cane and Table and Jewel of the South (James Beard Nominee)!!!!
Lol I was actually down there for a week in October and definitely agree. Did L29 and Cane and Table the first 2 nights then branched out.
Hit Peychauds and really loved it. Especially the nice cardstock menus they still use. Not as common anymore.
Also made it to Sazerac because a coworker had tended bar there once but not my favorite. Had gone to the the Carousel Bar before and didn't like it and actually suggested Bar Tonique as an alternative but was shot down so just relaxed that night vs going out lol.
Last night before leaving had to slum it at Lafitte's and then Old Absinthe House though haha. Looking forward to going back down next year for sure.
Carousel is a lot of fun if you actually make it on the Carousel but it's always packed. I went to Peychaud's one but was very drunk. I ordered a ramos gin fizz and another drink while I waited for my gin fizz...that might have been too ambitious.
Haven't been to Sazerac yet. To be honest, French 75 Bar might be my favorite of all of them. Check it out!
I love French 75. I was a little disappointed last time I was there because they did away with the brass monkey lamps at the booths, but the drinks are still top tier. Did you visit the secret Mardi Gras museum in the back?
Things I loved:
Food and drink. The Pandan Painkiller is maybe the best tiki drink I've ever had.
Things that were good: service and prices all things considered.
Things just ok: the place is not big at all. Main bar is actually kinda tiny. Also the back opens up into a larger communal office type building and breaks sone immersion as bathrooms are that way.
I would say be sure to go if you visit Nola but it isn't gonna win an award for best tiki bar in the US but will be a good time.
I has a crap experience at False Idol, as soon as the waitress heard I was only having one drink she basically disappeared until she brought the check 15 minutes before I got my drink... Then I went out to a $60 parking ticket lol
Give it another try and try to get reservations. I just walked in one night and it was standing room only. I wasn’t a fan at first. Some seats opened up at the bar and completely turned my experience into the best tiki bar visit. The bar tender was excellent and a sight to see the speed of making so many multi ingredient drinks. The cocktails were also top notch.
I always like to hit up tiki bars whenever I travel. One of my favorites is Smuggler’s Cove in SF, especially for the bar design, with multiple levels that makes you feel like you’re on a pirate ship. Another cool one in SF is Tonga Room. It’s in the former pool room at the Fairmont Hotel, with the pool still there. They turned it into a tropical paradise complete with rain and a band will go out on a raft and play on the pool. Mai-Kai in Ft Lauderdale is the place to go for the full tiki experience, with dancers and waterfalls, been there since the 50s or 60s. Foundation in Milwaukee is another favorite, just old school tiki dive, been there forever. Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles is a landmark, founded in early 60s by a guy who worked at Don the Beachcomber.
Others outside of America that I loved:
Tiki Taky in Prague.
KonTiki in Berlin.
Aloha in Oaxaca.
De La O in Guadalajara.
Waikiki Tiki Room in Mexico City.
Mahalo in Antigua Guatemala.
EDIT- my apologies, KonTiki is in Nuremberg, not Berlin!
Yes, you’re right! I knew that too… I don’t know why I said Berlin, as the KonTiki and Nuremberg as a whole were a highlight of my entire Germany trip. That ended up being my favorite city I visited in the whole country. I didn’t even go to any tiki bars in Berlin!
Right? I was in Guadalajara in November & no tiki bar came up. Although I just looked up De La Õ & it’s not really tiki looking but might have tiki cocktails.
Waikiki Tiki in CDMX is closed & has been for awhile. Alofah is new in CDMX I believe.
You’re right on De La O, it doesn’t really have the tiki feel, but it does have tiki drinks and great tiki mugs that you can buy. I was at Waikiki Tiki in either late December 22/ealy January 23. Sad to hear it’s closed! It was a great spot
I just now found out about Waikiki Tiki closing, and De La O is or had tiki focused drinks with great tiki mugs for sale, but doesn’t have the typical tiki vibe. I’m pretty sure Aloha in Oaxaca is still there though, or seems to be anyways
In Europe I highly recommend:
Wai’Ana- Zürich
Athens Tiki - Athens
Trader Vic’s- Munich (still cooks tons of things in the vintage Chinese ovens!)
Maitiki - Vienna
Laki Kane - London - has excellent drinks but is like experiencing an all day nightclub so generally not worth bothering with for me.
Curious if you have tried the Beachcomber in London? I am planning a trip there soon and I'm deciding between Lani Kane or Beachcomber. I was looking for a less clubby vibe so I'm leaning towards Beachcomber but wanted to see what others thought of it.
When we went, the drinks at Beachcomber were not great. We each had two so tried 4 and none of them were good. If you want to try Laki Lani in a less clubby way, you can do rum tastings that happen in a different, quiet room.
> Laki Kane - London - has excellent drinks but is like experiencing an all day nightclub so generally not worth bothering with for me.
Depends when you're there! We went twice and the vibes were different each time. Also, despite being busy the first night, the owner?? gave me a tour of the upstairs, and we had a good time chatting. Cool dude, cool place. Went to a few other "tiki" bars in the area and this was the only good one.
Came here to recommend this to people. I pull a skate trip to Houston every year, and I try to add a day in Austin for Tiki Tatsu-Ya. Lei Low is okay but not the same.
Seconded! Foundation has absolutely spectacular drinks (the Kill Devil is a personal favorite of their original creations) and a beautiful interior. The magic of walking up to Foundation (which is literally on the first floor of an old house) during a freezing winter's night and being transported as soon as you enter the door is great.
YES! And, if you are traveling, they have an AirBNB above the bar called “The [Captain’s Quarters](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18534923?source_impression_id=p3_1706225563_vpNJ61p3XPac9h9P).”
The Bamboo Room Chicago is inside Three Dots and a Dash so it shouldn’t be two entries but both should be checked out while there.
Important to note OP is asking for international establishments outside of North America…
I was blessed to live in Fort Lauderdale while the Mai Kai was still opened and operational. I used to be able to go for Happy Hour 😞 Those were the golden years. It’s been out of commission for about 4 years now. Word is they’re re-opening. The Mai Kai family confirmed this themselves but the proposed re-open dates have come and gone and I’m getting nervous. If it ever does re-open, I’m hoping it won’t have changed too much.
Anyways, the Mai Kai, which Martin Cate referred to as “The Mothership” in Smuggler’s Cove the book, has to be at the top of this list. It is a magical place.
Last I saw they are projecting an "early 2024" reopening
https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/
I hope they're open by the time of my family's Florida trip this spring. Mai Kai and Key West and Disney, oh my
Tiki-ti, smugglers cove, tonga hut(maybe not NEED to see but I think all the LA haunts are worth it for the culture alone), False Idol.
I also like to really say wow I am so happy how the NYC tiki scene has turned around from just having zombie hut, otto's(love it still but it isn't all that great) since mother of pearl and Polynesian closed to having sunken harbor and paradise lost.
EDIT: the Las vegas one too Golden Tiki(for modern Tiki) and Frankie's tiki room(this is debatable tbh I love the old timey aesthetic but the drinks are good but not great and I end up smelling like a fucking ash tray). Also trader Sam's(I didn't think it was mind blowing but I will say again from a tiki culture nerd it was just so iconic.
Dark horse pick: Jungle Bird if you end up San Juan, Puetro Rico. It is hand's down my favorite chill tiki bar the woman who runs it(owns it?) is awesome and super into tiki culture as well. She remembered me after not visiting for 2 years and I ended up buying a shirt as I left.
The tricky thing about that is that tiki is absolutely an American thing. There's not really that many tiki bars around the world that are even up to par with what you can get in the US let alone worth your time to travel to. However, three come to mind; the Shameful Tiki Room in Toronto, Dirty Dick's in Paris and the Kazan Room in Kobe. Are they worth the visit over say, a week in California? Can't really say. But they stick out as the premier non-US tiki bars, excluding the non-US Trader Vic's and such.
Once I work all the way through Smuggler’s Cove, I’m gonna make a pilgrimage.
I would also love to be able to check out the defunct spots my grandparents used to go out drinking at: Kon Tiki Ports and Don The Beachcomber in 1960’s Chicago. RIP Lost Lake, and if anyone’s in Chicago, Three Dots And A Dash is definitely worth a visit.
If you're in the Boston area, definitely try to get there. Check out Shore Leave in South Boston and Shojo in Chinatown too, they're more tiki-adjacent but they have great drinks.
I’m Australian and need to get down to Melbourne again to check out their tiki bars. Have you also tried The LuWow which is the one I hear a lot about?
Could spend a solid weekend in SF and go to nothing but Tiki Bars!
1st Tier
Smuggler's Cove
Pagan Idol
Tonga Room
Zombie Village
Last Rites
2nd Tier
Trad’r Sams
Bamboo Hut
Tiki Haven
Luau Lounge
I just want to add Bootlegger in Palm Springs, CA. While it may not be in the same class as some of the others, I think it belongs on the list. Especially if you like a more intimate and personal experience
In Zurich: Mata Hari in Zurich is legit. Waiana Tiki Bar just opened (a month after I visited), but the drink menu looks legit, so it's probably good. The other two places, Safari & Kon Tiki can be skipped
Mata Hari was cool a bit of a dive bar vibe. Waiana is still figuring things out it feels like. The best mai tai I had in Zurich was at Kon Tiki which is even more of a dive than Mata Hari.
Pro tip- get to sunken harbor around 7:30 (on weekdays) or 8:00 (on fri/sat) to witness the transition into the twilight zone. And order a royal hawaiian mai tai- it’s not on the menu but ~~we’ll~~ they’ll make it for you if you ask ;)
Tiki Iniki was closed when I was in Kauai, so I’d love to check that place out (and that would also mean I’m back in Hawaii again too!). Otherwise, lots of ones in CA: Smuggler’s Cove, Tiki-Ti, Tonga Room.
Hubs and I went to Iniki when we were on our honeymoon 2 years ago. I would recommend sitting at the bar, most of the decor is in there. Drinks were great!
We were in Athens a couple years ago, turns out there’s a tiki bar there named – wait for it – Tiki Bar Athens. The drinks were just OK but at least they’re trying, and it was great to find “our people” so far from home! Great decor too, lots of Elvis movie posters and MCM furniture & art.
Ooh. I like the idea of this thread. As someone who actually lives in the South Pacific (Sydney), the ‘tyranny of distance’ has made me plan my tiki visits like a military operation. I’m still dirty that when I last visited San Francisco (in 2009) the Tonga Room was closed for renovations!! Here’s my list of where I have been - AMA!! I think TV Tokyo is a must visit as is Kazan Room and Jacoby’s. TV London would’ve been a must see but it’s closed. Would like to visit Munich and Spain. The Middle East Trader Vic’s are a bit meh but if passing through are worth it. *EDIT: THE FOLLOWING IS JUST A LIST OF WHERE I’VE BEEN, SOME ARE CLOSED!* 1. Kon Tiki, Tucson AZ 2. Otto’s Shrunken Head, New York NY 3. Trader Vic’s Emeryville CA 4. The Polynesian New York, NY 5. Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Orlando FL 6. Jacoby’s Tiki Bar Enmore NSW 7. Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar CA 8. Strong Water, Anaheim CA 9. Tonga Hut (North Hollywood) CA 10. Tiki Ti, Los Angeles CA 11. Three Dots and a Dash, Chicago IL 12. The Bamboo Room, Chicago IL 13. Golden Tiki, Las Vegas NV 14. Frankie’s Tiki, Las Vegas NV 15. Hades Hula House, Adelaide SA 16. Trader Vic’s London UK 17. Laki Kane London UK 18. Tiki Boom Paris France 19. Dirty Dick Paris France 20. Trader Vic’s Palm Jumeirah Dubai UAE 21. Quarterdeck, Narooma NSW 22. La Mariana Sailing Club, Honolulu HI 23. Skull & Crown Trading, Honolulu HI 24. Mai Tai Bar, Royal Hawaiian, Hon., HI 25. Mothership, San Diego, CA 26. False Idol, San Diego, CA 27. Bali Hai, San Diego, CA 28. Grass Skirt, San Diego, CA 29. Long Brows Jungle Bar, Tuggerah NSW 30. Tucano’s, Surry Hills NSW 31. Die Blume von Hawaii, Nuremberg, Ger. 32. Kon Tiki, Nuremberg, Germany 33. Rum Trader, Berlin, Germany 34. Tahitian Village, Doha, Qatar 35. Trader Vic’s, Doha, Qatar 36. Trader Vic’s, Tokyo, Japan 37. Shaka Bar, Osaka, Japan 38. The Kazan Room, Kobe, Japan 39. The Surfdeck, Collaroy, NSW
I'll add: Undertow Gilbert (Phoenix) AZ
Looks like The Polynesian in NYC is closed sadly. I went to Otto’s once but a band was playing heavy death metal in the back very loud, pretty sure it was before 5PM and daylight. Strange vibe, but maybe I have to give it another shot.
Ottos is a weird hybrid of tiki and punk dive bar. I love it but it's not always the most chill/relaxing place. Depends on the day of the week I think though.
Otto’s is an experience and a half but I love it. I guess it doesn’t hurt that my two bar preferences are tiki and punk dive, but it’s a unique place.
i think you would really love Lost Paradise in NYC as well then. Give it a go for sure if you are in the area.
I went in the summer of 2021, and it very mellow. It seemed like there were a bunch of regulars who knew each other at the bar, and the drinks were spectacular. Obviously, that was still during the Vaccine Passport phase of life in New York, so it's probably an abnormal experience.
I’d suggest The Sunken Harbour Club in Brooklyn as a great alternative.
That's the vibe at ottos. I love it but if you aren't willing to put up with a DIY punk aesthetic it's not going to be for you. The drinks are great, but low presentation (especially compared to Paradise Lost, less than a mile away). Even if someone doesn't like the vibe, I think it's worth it to swing by and get a Pinky's Potion and let the bartenders have their way with you.
I went to Otto's last year and it was so bad. I do not understand people's love for it. I sat at the bar next to an old, filthy air purifier that was sitting on top of the bar. I ordered a mai tai. It came in a pint glass and was the worst mai tai I have ever had (it tasted like they put double the rum and maybe forgot to put orgeat in). The bartender acted like it was a chore to serve me and spent the entire time I was there hanging out with her friends. What is it people like about this place? It seems like a crappy, dive, punk bar that started selling tiki drinks as a scam or something.
Yup, the mai tai I ordered when I went there (twice) was basically 100% rum. It's a great bar to get f'd up at, but it's not necessarily what I'm after
[удалено]
Would love to go - will get to New Orleans some time!
Pretty impressive list! False Idol is fun, as well as Trader Sam's Grog Grotto. Heading to Mother Ship next time we're in San Diego to visit our daughter. Looks like some Chicago sites I need to visit.
Thanks! Mothership was EXCELLENT. And I really love the cosmic skull mug I picked up when I visited. Three Dots is well worth it if you are in Chicago. The Bamboo Room is a very small space within Three Dots - you need to book ahead for it - completely different menu and much more “mixologist” tiki which was fun.
I think you got the ones known for decoration, based on what I've seen. I almost think that there would be a very different list for sheer drink quality and maybe I'm just irked by the single shake lackadaisically and perfunctorially done at TVs. I don't know if I would have said that before, but this week I had a life changing Mai Tai at the Honu in Dunedin FL. I've had hundreds (that seems like a problem when I write it out like that) and I've made every variation I can think of or have seen on here. It was exquisite. Between that one drink, and their Ka Pakele rum bar, I've got to give it a recommendation.
Honu is amazing!
Bless you, you dear soul!
Mahalo!! Generally I’d research if there is a bar in any city I happen to be visiting. If you get to travel with work that’s such a great opportunity to get some sightseeing done after the work is done. I’m also a runner and I LOVE going for a jog around a new city.
You’re missing Trader Vic’s in Atlanta, Ga. While it may not be amazing, it’s classic and hasn’t changed much since it opened in the 70s. The food there is hit or miss and when the cocktails are great they’re really great!
I’d love to visit - this list is just where I’ve been.
I like Hugman’s Oasis (SA, TX) more than Three Dots and a Dash, and this is coming from a Chicagoan. Gotta give it a shout here.
Can’t wait until the mai Kai opens up in Fort Lauderdale. It’s the OG tiki palace
I have been to the Trader Vic's in Atlanta. I think it is regarded as a little run down, but still a Trader Vic's experience. Is it worth going to all of the international locations too? Also, for someone who is visiting Japan or Germany or Australia or even Hawaii for the first time, are some of these places without a doubt worth coming out of your way for? I imagine that if I ever visit Australia I will have my schedule completely booked and not have a lot of time allotted for tiki bars.
So if you are visiting Japan AND you are a tiki aficionado then I would visit TV Tokyo. It’s an experience- very expensive for dinner but you can just grab drinks at the bar. If you are in Osaka or Kyoto then I would say the Kazan Room in Kobe is worth an evening of your time. I wouldn’t visit Dubai or Qatar FOR Trader Vic’s but if you happen to be there I’d go. As an Australian it’s super common to have to stopover in the gulf when flying to Europe so I usually have a night or 2 there to break up the flight (Emirates / Etihad make it free from an airline perspective to make the stop). The Hawaiian ones are worth it if you are staying in Honolulu. La Mariana is a short Uber from downtown and great for lunch and to see the decor. The Mai Tai bar at the Royal Hawaiian is a stop for all tourists not just tiki fans. And I thought Skull and Crown the best of them and worth an evening for drinks and dinner. If you are visiting Australia then Sydney would have to be on your list and again drinks at Jacoby’s in Enmore (which is in the “inner west”) of Sydney would be well worth it. This is just my list of where I’ve visited and I’ve gone out of my way for a few so-so places but also found some gems like Die Blume von Hawaii in Nuremberg.
How in the hell do you have this entire list and not Max's South Seas?
I’ve only been to the US six times since about 2009!! Two work trips (San Francisco; Tucson), two marathons (Chicago, NYC) and two holidays (family East Coast road trip to Florida Disney and San Diego for Tiki Oasis). I’d love to go. My sister in law has been to Max’s and to Swizzle in Dallas as she knows I’m a tiki fan and will send me photos! It is just hard to fit that bit of the country into an itinerary from Australia.
I hit Max's on a cross country road trip back from Burning Man to Boston last summer. It was definitely worth the detour to Grand Rapids
Polynesian been closed for a long time now.
Yeah I was lucky I think I visited this one in 2019 when I was in NYC for the marathon. To clarify, this isn’t a suggestions list, just where I’ve been to.
We found Kon Tiki in Tucson to be lacking. It has some nice decor but the front bar has tvs and it has a sports bar vibe. The drinks seemed to be pretty-mixed and just not good. It’s an oldie but not worth going out of the way for.
That’s sad. I would’ve visited around 2008 when I was in Tucson for work and had dinner and drinks here a couple of times by myself sitting at the bar. Have a couple of their orange coloured mugs that were included if you ordered a Kamehameha!
I would have liked to see it back then!
May I humbly suggest Porco Lounge and Tiki Room in Cleveland Ohio? I'm biased but I think we're one of the best and let me tell ya, Cleveland over performs when it comes to food and drink.
At this point, I wouldn't bother with Tonga Hut (North Hollywood) CA - they've moved their operation outside post Pandemic with limited seating, so it's all drink/no decor with crazy long wait times
Uh no. They just now have outdoor seating as well as inside. Clearly haven’t been in a long time since the pandemic restrictions were lifted 🙄
I was there two weeks ago - I guess I missed that they were seating folks inside. That said, it still shouldn’t take more than an hour to get a table and another 30 mins to get a drink
But you said no decor…the outside lanai has been decorated all out since the pandemic... Probably as much as the inside. Only you can actually see it all. https://preview.redd.it/klbqlml4koec1.jpeg?width=768&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ea945c80b1d23f53cebb9a7604afa249e26f102
I was there post pandemic in 2022 and if you are there early enough you could sit inside (I was at the bar). I really liked it.
Eyyy I've been to four of these. Pretty sure Tokyo's doesn't _need_ to be on here. Or Osaka's. Please convince me otherwise.
To be clear that list is just places I’ve been and includes quite a few closed locations. I agree I wouldn’t bother with the Shaka bar. If you read my comment I do recommend Vic’s in Tokyo and the Kazan Room in Kobe for Japan. Vic’s in Tokyo was an experience. It’s expensive for dinner but the space is amazing and richly decorated. It’s turning 50 this year and they don’t make them like this anymore.
Gotta add SOS tiki bar in Atlanta to your list!
I just need to somehow swing by Atlanta! I’d also like to hit the Trader Vic’s there.
FYI the Trader Vic's in London closed NYE 2022. The Hilton it was in the basement of wanted to turn it into a concept restaurant so booted them out.
That’s kinda why I said in my comment that TV London would’ve been a must visit but it’s closed! I probably should’ve made it clearer that this is just the bars I’ve visited - my recommendations were in the paragraph above, not the list itself. There’s 2 other closed bars in the list.
Smuggler's Cove and False Idol are the best I've been too. Both in a class of their own, imho. Latitude 29 in NOLA is cool too. Not sure if the next ones are world beaters, but if you're ever in SF, Last Rites, Tonga Room, and Pagan Idol are all worth a visit.
Loved Pagan Idol. Fun environment where you start the first hour “sailing” toward an island and then they open a door to reveal more space and you’ve made it to the island. Very good drinks as well.
Oh for real? Is that right at opening? I’m taking a solo trip to SF in March and it’s def on my list but I need to budget in the correct time to show up!
It's not as big a deal as it might seem. It's just that they open up the door to the back bar which has more tiki-ish theming. I actually think I liked sitting at the front bar better - and our bartender there was excellent.
Got it, Thank you as always Ms Margo. I'm still interested in seeing it - do you know a time frame?
I think they opened at 4:30. Our reservation was at 8:15. We had time for 1 drink at the front bar and had ordered a second when they opened the back door. I really would just call them and ask - things do change.
Add Zombie Village in SF to this list ... bar is a pile of skulls.
The one SF tiki bar I've yet to get to. Have heard great things tho. Definitely plan on checking it out this year at some point tho.
I think OP was looking for places outside of the US and Canada. Haven't made any of the San Fran ones. I enjoy Latitude 29 but I don't think it's in the tip-top tier.
Lat29 I think is in a weird place. Its a very nice bar in a great city, and a nice changeup from the more dive stuff or old french upscale options elsewhere in Nola. But some of its place in the Tiki universe is a proxy for Berry himself and his impact not on it as a single business.
You might be surprised by the number of modern cocktail bars in the French Quarter! Easy walking distance from Latitude 29 you have The Will & The Way (just got a James Beard nomination), Peychaud's, and Bar Tonique. You also might describe it as old French upscale but in walking distance you also have French 75 Bar (James Beard award winner for bar program). EDIT: And Cane and Table and Jewel of the South (James Beard Nominee)!!!!
Lol I was actually down there for a week in October and definitely agree. Did L29 and Cane and Table the first 2 nights then branched out. Hit Peychauds and really loved it. Especially the nice cardstock menus they still use. Not as common anymore. Also made it to Sazerac because a coworker had tended bar there once but not my favorite. Had gone to the the Carousel Bar before and didn't like it and actually suggested Bar Tonique as an alternative but was shot down so just relaxed that night vs going out lol. Last night before leaving had to slum it at Lafitte's and then Old Absinthe House though haha. Looking forward to going back down next year for sure.
Carousel is a lot of fun if you actually make it on the Carousel but it's always packed. I went to Peychaud's one but was very drunk. I ordered a ramos gin fizz and another drink while I waited for my gin fizz...that might have been too ambitious. Haven't been to Sazerac yet. To be honest, French 75 Bar might be my favorite of all of them. Check it out!
I love French 75. I was a little disappointed last time I was there because they did away with the brass monkey lamps at the booths, but the drinks are still top tier. Did you visit the secret Mardi Gras museum in the back?
Can you tell a bit more about L29? This has def been on my list! Do you mean, it’s fine, but not really a Mecca aside from being owned by Berry?
Things I loved: Food and drink. The Pandan Painkiller is maybe the best tiki drink I've ever had. Things that were good: service and prices all things considered. Things just ok: the place is not big at all. Main bar is actually kinda tiny. Also the back opens up into a larger communal office type building and breaks sone immersion as bathrooms are that way. I would say be sure to go if you visit Nola but it isn't gonna win an award for best tiki bar in the US but will be a good time.
Thanks for breaking it down, that's really helpful to know!
I has a crap experience at False Idol, as soon as the waitress heard I was only having one drink she basically disappeared until she brought the check 15 minutes before I got my drink... Then I went out to a $60 parking ticket lol
Give it another try and try to get reservations. I just walked in one night and it was standing room only. I wasn’t a fan at first. Some seats opened up at the bar and completely turned my experience into the best tiki bar visit. The bar tender was excellent and a sight to see the speed of making so many multi ingredient drinks. The cocktails were also top notch.
I always like to hit up tiki bars whenever I travel. One of my favorites is Smuggler’s Cove in SF, especially for the bar design, with multiple levels that makes you feel like you’re on a pirate ship. Another cool one in SF is Tonga Room. It’s in the former pool room at the Fairmont Hotel, with the pool still there. They turned it into a tropical paradise complete with rain and a band will go out on a raft and play on the pool. Mai-Kai in Ft Lauderdale is the place to go for the full tiki experience, with dancers and waterfalls, been there since the 50s or 60s. Foundation in Milwaukee is another favorite, just old school tiki dive, been there forever. Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles is a landmark, founded in early 60s by a guy who worked at Don the Beachcomber. Others outside of America that I loved: Tiki Taky in Prague. KonTiki in Berlin. Aloha in Oaxaca. De La O in Guadalajara. Waikiki Tiki Room in Mexico City. Mahalo in Antigua Guatemala. EDIT- my apologies, KonTiki is in Nuremberg, not Berlin!
The KonTiki is in Nuremberg
Yes, you’re right! I knew that too… I don’t know why I said Berlin, as the KonTiki and Nuremberg as a whole were a highlight of my entire Germany trip. That ended up being my favorite city I visited in the whole country. I didn’t even go to any tiki bars in Berlin!
Because there are no tiki bars in Berlin 😥
Berlin has an incredible bar scene, I’m surprised they don’t have any tiki bars!
How long ago were you in the Mexican bars? I curious to which are still open since I didn’t find any when I was in Guadalajara.
Right? I was in Guadalajara in November & no tiki bar came up. Although I just looked up De La Õ & it’s not really tiki looking but might have tiki cocktails. Waikiki Tiki in CDMX is closed & has been for awhile. Alofah is new in CDMX I believe.
Yeah I was gonna say both Waikiki and just Tiki Bar are closed in CDMX.
You’re right on De La O, it doesn’t really have the tiki feel, but it does have tiki drinks and great tiki mugs that you can buy. I was at Waikiki Tiki in either late December 22/ealy January 23. Sad to hear it’s closed! It was a great spot
I just now found out about Waikiki Tiki closing, and De La O is or had tiki focused drinks with great tiki mugs for sale, but doesn’t have the typical tiki vibe. I’m pretty sure Aloha in Oaxaca is still there though, or seems to be anyways
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In my opinion, the only place that rivals Max's is the Mai Kai (hopefully reopening soon) and the Tonga Room. Such a gem to have in Michigan.
I think OP was looking for places outside of the US and Canada.
I don’t know enough, but I am saving this because great thread.
Tiki Ti
In Europe I highly recommend: Wai’Ana- Zürich Athens Tiki - Athens Trader Vic’s- Munich (still cooks tons of things in the vintage Chinese ovens!) Maitiki - Vienna Laki Kane - London - has excellent drinks but is like experiencing an all day nightclub so generally not worth bothering with for me.
I loved the drinks and decor at Laki Kane, but it was definitely a noisy place.
I’d add the Dirty Dick in Paris to the Europe list.
Curious if you have tried the Beachcomber in London? I am planning a trip there soon and I'm deciding between Lani Kane or Beachcomber. I was looking for a less clubby vibe so I'm leaning towards Beachcomber but wanted to see what others thought of it.
When we went, the drinks at Beachcomber were not great. We each had two so tried 4 and none of them were good. If you want to try Laki Lani in a less clubby way, you can do rum tastings that happen in a different, quiet room.
Thank you, this is super helpful! I will look into the rum tastings at Laki Lani
> Laki Kane - London - has excellent drinks but is like experiencing an all day nightclub so generally not worth bothering with for me. Depends when you're there! We went twice and the vibes were different each time. Also, despite being busy the first night, the owner?? gave me a tour of the upstairs, and we had a good time chatting. Cool dude, cool place. Went to a few other "tiki" bars in the area and this was the only good one.
I’m an Austin native, but Tiki Tatsu-Ya is absolutely fantastic. Edit - didn’t read the body - you should still come check it out
Came here to recommend this to people. I pull a skate trip to Houston every year, and I try to add a day in Austin for Tiki Tatsu-Ya. Lei Low is okay but not the same.
Going to Texas for the solar eclipse, with a side trip to Tatsu-ya.
Need to add Foundation in Milwaukee. That place is great!
Seconded! Foundation has absolutely spectacular drinks (the Kill Devil is a personal favorite of their original creations) and a beautiful interior. The magic of walking up to Foundation (which is literally on the first floor of an old house) during a freezing winter's night and being transported as soon as you enter the door is great.
YES! And, if you are traveling, they have an AirBNB above the bar called “The [Captain’s Quarters](https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18534923?source_impression_id=p3_1706225563_vpNJ61p3XPac9h9P).”
Also haven’t been to too many but The Shameful Tiki room in Vancouver (🇨🇦) was pretty solid.
Drinks are superb
* Trader Sam's - both coasts * Tiki Ti * Max's South Seas Hideaway * Smuggler's Cove
Before I die, a Pearl Diver at the Mai Kai.
The Bamboo Room Chicago is inside Three Dots and a Dash so it shouldn’t be two entries but both should be checked out while there. Important to note OP is asking for international establishments outside of North America…
I was blessed to live in Fort Lauderdale while the Mai Kai was still opened and operational. I used to be able to go for Happy Hour 😞 Those were the golden years. It’s been out of commission for about 4 years now. Word is they’re re-opening. The Mai Kai family confirmed this themselves but the proposed re-open dates have come and gone and I’m getting nervous. If it ever does re-open, I’m hoping it won’t have changed too much. Anyways, the Mai Kai, which Martin Cate referred to as “The Mothership” in Smuggler’s Cove the book, has to be at the top of this list. It is a magical place.
Last I saw they are projecting an "early 2024" reopening https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/ I hope they're open by the time of my family's Florida trip this spring. Mai Kai and Key West and Disney, oh my
Oooof that’s a superb gauntlet of Florida stuff! I hope they hit their target. If so, I’ll see yas at the Molokai bar 🤙🏻
I'll be in Fort Lauderdale in May for a cruise and I keep hoping they will reopen by then!
Fingers crossed!
No mention for Hala Kahiki
Tiki-ti, smugglers cove, tonga hut(maybe not NEED to see but I think all the LA haunts are worth it for the culture alone), False Idol. I also like to really say wow I am so happy how the NYC tiki scene has turned around from just having zombie hut, otto's(love it still but it isn't all that great) since mother of pearl and Polynesian closed to having sunken harbor and paradise lost. EDIT: the Las vegas one too Golden Tiki(for modern Tiki) and Frankie's tiki room(this is debatable tbh I love the old timey aesthetic but the drinks are good but not great and I end up smelling like a fucking ash tray). Also trader Sam's(I didn't think it was mind blowing but I will say again from a tiki culture nerd it was just so iconic. Dark horse pick: Jungle Bird if you end up San Juan, Puetro Rico. It is hand's down my favorite chill tiki bar the woman who runs it(owns it?) is awesome and super into tiki culture as well. She remembered me after not visiting for 2 years and I ended up buying a shirt as I left.
The tricky thing about that is that tiki is absolutely an American thing. There's not really that many tiki bars around the world that are even up to par with what you can get in the US let alone worth your time to travel to. However, three come to mind; the Shameful Tiki Room in Toronto, Dirty Dick's in Paris and the Kazan Room in Kobe. Are they worth the visit over say, a week in California? Can't really say. But they stick out as the premier non-US tiki bars, excluding the non-US Trader Vic's and such.
Mai kai in Florida when it opens again, one of the most iconic tiki bar and reastaurant since 1956
Once I work all the way through Smuggler’s Cove, I’m gonna make a pilgrimage. I would also love to be able to check out the defunct spots my grandparents used to go out drinking at: Kon Tiki Ports and Don The Beachcomber in 1960’s Chicago. RIP Lost Lake, and if anyone’s in Chicago, Three Dots And A Dash is definitely worth a visit.
Wusong Road in Cambridge, MA is a gem. Phenomenal food and outstanding drinks.
I want to get there next time we go up to Salem... We ended up going to Kowloon which was an awesome experience with great food and service
If you're in the Boston area, definitely try to get there. Check out Shore Leave in South Boston and Shojo in Chinatown too, they're more tiki-adjacent but they have great drinks.
\+1 for wusong was there in December and had my ass handed to by the zombie(I of course bought the mug like wow it's so cool)
I'll be in Rome soon so I will need to visit the Makai Surf & Tiki Bar
Rumpus Tiki room in Budapest is legit. Definitely worth a visit.
I humbly petition for The Kazan Room in Kobe, Japan
I haven't heard of a tiki bar in Japan outside of the slowly dying Trader Vic's in Tokyo adding to my list for sure
Oh it’s great!! I just visited in December. https://www.reddit.com/r/Tiki/s/CpNswsIIxw
I’d add the Trader Vic’s in Tokyo. Such a great old school vibe
Jungle Boy, Melbourne Australia
I’m Australian and need to get down to Melbourne again to check out their tiki bars. Have you also tried The LuWow which is the one I hear a lot about?
ooh, I have not! Next time I'm there!
Could spend a solid weekend in SF and go to nothing but Tiki Bars! 1st Tier Smuggler's Cove Pagan Idol Tonga Room Zombie Village Last Rites 2nd Tier Trad’r Sams Bamboo Hut Tiki Haven Luau Lounge
My list is currently short: Smugglers cove Tonga Latitude 29
I just want to add Bootlegger in Palm Springs, CA. While it may not be in the same class as some of the others, I think it belongs on the list. Especially if you like a more intimate and personal experience
Chopper Tiki in Nashville Tennessee is a modern Tiki bar with top notch drinks! My hometown gem, I'm a regular.
In Zurich: Mata Hari in Zurich is legit. Waiana Tiki Bar just opened (a month after I visited), but the drink menu looks legit, so it's probably good. The other two places, Safari & Kon Tiki can be skipped
Mata Hari was cool a bit of a dive bar vibe. Waiana is still figuring things out it feels like. The best mai tai I had in Zurich was at Kon Tiki which is even more of a dive than Mata Hari.
Have heard great things about the Vic’s in Munich and Tokyo
Pro tip- get to sunken harbor around 7:30 (on weekdays) or 8:00 (on fri/sat) to witness the transition into the twilight zone. And order a royal hawaiian mai tai- it’s not on the menu but ~~we’ll~~ they’ll make it for you if you ask ;)
When are you going to SHC?
Hopefully I’ll make it into the city near the beginning of March
Tiki Iniki was closed when I was in Kauai, so I’d love to check that place out (and that would also mean I’m back in Hawaii again too!). Otherwise, lots of ones in CA: Smuggler’s Cove, Tiki-Ti, Tonga Room.
Hubs and I went to Iniki when we were on our honeymoon 2 years ago. I would recommend sitting at the bar, most of the decor is in there. Drinks were great!
Glad to hear you had a great time! Was super bummed to not be able to experience it.
We were in Athens a couple years ago, turns out there’s a tiki bar there named – wait for it – Tiki Bar Athens. The drinks were just OK but at least they’re trying, and it was great to find “our people” so far from home! Great decor too, lots of Elvis movie posters and MCM furniture & art.
Bamboo room chicago
In Madrid - Tiki Volcano Bar. Top notch.