The first tiki bars began to crop up in the years before World War II. After the War, the thousands of soldiers returning from the Pacific caused a tiki fad that would last well into the 1960s. The tiki bar is known for its tropical atmosphere, instantly transporting guests to a sandy beach as they sip on a fruity cocktail in a bamboo hut. Over the years, countless tiki bars have come and gone. Here is a countdown of the top 8 most famous tiki bars of all time:

8) Kowloon of Saugus, MA is one of the largest tiki-themed restaurants in the country. The entrance is guarded by a 15-foot-tall carved tiki statue. Inside, you’ll find a room comprised of half a shooner, a volcano in motion, and a huge fountain. Each booth is built to resemble a tiki hut, and tiki masks adorn the walls, which are made of bamboo.

7) Hala Kahiki in River Grove, IL. This dimly lit restaurant is known for its huge collection of tiki memorabilia. The kitschy gift shop accompanying the bar carries everything from tiki statues to shot glasses.

6) Mai-Kai, a recreated Polynesian Village in Fort Lauderdale, FL, opened in 1956 complete with tiki torches and a thatched roof. The bar features over 50 specialty drinks. In addition to the cocktails, patrons enjoy the Islanders Revue, a show performed twice each night by Polynesian dancers.

5) Forbidden Island in Alameda, CA. One of the most authentic-looking tiki bars still in operation, you will immediately get the feeling that you’re back in the tiki fad of the ’50s or ’60s, with this bar’s blowfish lamps, waterfall, and bamboo bars. Though it is a relatively new establishment, Forbidden Island has been recognized by tiki aficionados as providing one of the most authentically 1950’s tiki experiences.

4) The Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, CA. The Tonga Room was built around a swimming pool. This restaurant is said to have been one of Jimmy Buffet’s inspirations. The Tonga Room features a musical boat in the middle of the pool, tiki huts to transform the space into an island in the South Pacific, and an exotic menu reflecting Polynesian and Asian influences.

3) Tiki-Ti, on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, opened in 1961. The founder, drink mixer Ray Buhen, has been credited with the invention of an impressive list of concoctions. Tiki-Ti is known for its huge array of tiki-themed cocktails. Today, Tiki-Ti remains a family-run bar, and patrons will find the son and grandson of the founder still mixing exotic tiki cocktails.

2) Don the Beachcomber comes in a close second on our list. When it opened in 1933 in Los Angeles, it was the first-ever tiki bar. Known for its woven grass wall coverings and bamboo bars, Don the Beachcomber would soon become a popular chain of tiki-themed bars and restaurants. Owner Donn Beach has been credited as one of the founders of the tiki craze.

1)Trader Vic’s is perhaps the most famous tiki bar of all time. Victor Bergeron, owner of Trader Vic’s, helped popularize the tiki craze in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, Trader Vic’s has locations around the world. The original location in Atlanta, GA is known for its unique tiki decor and drink specials, such as concoctions served in cauldrons or tiki mugs. Trader Vic is said to have invented the Mai Tai, today one of the world’s most popular tropical drinks.

Author Bio: Royal Tiki’s genuine Hawaiian Tiki statues, totems and masks make a great addition to any Tiki bar. Also check for current specials on our Tiki hut decor

Category: Business
Keywords: