The original tiki bars were a post-Prohibition celebration of warm skies, sweet drinks, and easy living, later becoming a symbol of midcentury kitsch. Almost 90 years after Don the Beachcomber opened his eponymous bar in Hollywood, tiki has come and gone as a trend, and now it’s back again at tiki bars coast to coast.
From their tantalizing drinks to their perfectly kitschy atmosphere, these tropical oases will help you escape your day-to-day grind and dive into an intoxicating world of whimsy, wonder, and rum. Definitely rum. Check out these nine tiki bars for lavish garnishes, flavorful cocktails, and a world entirely its own. As Jeff ‘Beachbum’ Berry put it, “If we’re going to feel like zombies, we may as well be drinking them.”
False Idol – San Diego
False Idol offers a completely immersive experience. Patrons enter the bar via a walk-in cooler adorned with fresh fruits, skulls, and even (fake) severed heads. Guests are greeted by a rock wall featuring various water and fire theatrics. Every detail in this space was crafted with great care, from the ambience to the drink menu, which balances classic tiki cocktails alongside modern takes. This hidden gem in San Diego has something to interest every visitor.
Tonga Hut – Los Angeles
The oldest tiki bar in Los Angeles, established in 1958, will transport you back to the heyday of vintage tiki. Tonga Hut features exotic classic cocktails, house originals, and seasonal options, ensuring a delightful experience for all tiki enthusiasts.
Hale Pele – Portland, Oregon
Visiting Hale Pele in Portland is an unforgettable experience. This true tiki paradise features whimsical bartenders who add sparks of excitement by igniting high-proof rum and cinnamon while serving perfectly potent drinks. Surprises await those seeking an escape within its walls, with communal cocktail bowls that are not to be missed.
Navy Strength – Seattle
Navy Strength, founded by industry veterans, invites visitors to a tropical paradise with no shortage of rum and exotic flavors. This bar changes its menu twice a year to celebrate global flavors while also offering beloved tropical concoctions. With accolades like “Best New American Cocktail Bar” at the Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, guests can expect an exceptional experience.
Latitude 29 – New Orleans
Thanks to tiki expert Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, you can now enjoy a variety of revived tiki classics and original creations at Latitude 29 in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Berry researched old recipes and conducted interviews to reconstruct the tiki cocktails of yesteryear, ensuring an authentic drinking experience.
Pearl Diver – Nashville
This tiki-inspired bar is known for its focus on sugarcane and agave, featuring midcentury decor and even surfing videos. Their fresh-pressed sugarcane daiquiri is a must-try, and the regular events, like their drag queen brunch, add a unique flair to the atmosphere.
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge – Minneapolis
“The Mender of Broken Dreams,” Psycho Suzi’s is a waterfront lounge claiming the title of “tiki gone mad.” With multiple bars and a killer view of the Mississippi River, this spot invites guests to relax and indulge in historical tiki drinks amidst a vibrant decor.
Lost Lake – Chicago
Lost Lake, under the guidance of Paul McGee, is a well-awarded Chicago tiki destination. Known for its iconic banana leaf wallpaper and intricately garnished drinks, this bar is the perfect place to embark on a mini vacation through its diverse cocktail offerings.
Max’s South Seas Hideaway – Grand Rapids, Michigan
In Grand Rapids, Max’s South Seas Hideaway presents a multi-level paradise complete with water features and tropical-themed decor. Renowned tiki expert Martin Cate collaborated to create a spectacular atmosphere and cocktail menu, making it one of the largest collections of tiki artifacts worldwide.
This article highlights the resurgence of tiki culture across top cities, inviting enthusiasts and newcomers to experience the enchanting world of tiki bars in the U.S.
