Tiki bars in the USA are themed drinking establishments that evoke a tropical, Polynesian aesthetic and serve elaborate cocktails, often rum-based, like the Mai Tai and Zombie. They are known for their immersive, over-the-top decor and themed drinks.
Here are some well-known and highly-regarded tiki bars in the USA:
California:
- Tiki-Ti (Los Angeles): A classic and beloved tiki bar.
- Hale Pele (Portland): Known for its elaborate decor and innovative cocktails.
- Smuggler’s Cove (San Francisco): A legendary multi-level tiki bar with a vast rum selection.
- Trader Vic’s (Emeryville): A historic tiki bar and pioneer of the movement.
- Tonga Hut (Los Angeles): One of the oldest tiki bars in the US.
- Bootlegger Tiki (Palm Springs): A popular destination bar.
Other States:
- Mai Kai (Fort Lauderdale, FL): One of the oldest tiki supper clubs in the US.
- Three Dots and a Dash (Chicago, IL): A popular spot for tiki enthusiasts.
- Lost Lake (Chicago, IL): A well-regarded tiki bar in Chicago.
- UnderTow (Phoenix, AZ): A popular tiki bar in Arizona.
- False Idol (San Diego, CA): A must-visit destination bar co-created by Martin Cate of Smuggler’s Cove.
- Latitude 29 (New Orleans, LA): Known for its authentic tiki experience.
- Frankie’s Tiki Room (Las Vegas, NV): An immersive tiki experience.
- Tiki Tolteca (New Orleans, LA): A hidden gem in New Orleans.
- Jade Island (Staten Island, NY): A well-regarded tiki bar in New York.
- Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge (St. Louis, MO): A waterfront lounge with a unique tiki-gone-mad aesthetic.
- The Golden Tiki (Las Vegas, NV): Another popular tiki bar in Las Vegas.