Tiki Bar reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 384 Reddit reviews across 15 subreddits and 58 posts to rank the best Tiki Bar brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/Tiki, r/LasVegas, r/Seattle, r/orlando, r/Dallas. Top-rated brands include Golden Tiki (4.5/5), Undertow (4.9/5), False Idol (4.9/5).
Stats
Reviews384
Subreddits15
Posts58
Brands93
Products14
384 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Golden Tiki
4.5
(41)
"Golden tiki is my favorite (killer happy hour!!), followed by a tie between red dwarf and stray pirate."
"If you can only go to one, make it Golden Tiki."
"Golden tiki. The ramen place next door is fire too."
"Golden Tiki was the highest rated here"
"Golden Tiki"
"Golden Tiki and Frankie's are both excellent."
"Golden Tiki is the only place I won any money last time I was in Vegas."
"Golden tiki, stray pirate, red dwarf (10/10 Detroit style pizza)"
"Golden tiki"
"Best and Worst: Golden Tiki."
#2
Undertow
4.9
(20)
"I'll add my vote for Undertow as world-class."
"Make reservations in advance and pay your deposit for Undertow."
"Also I agree with Undertow and The Captains Cabin..."
"Undertow is a must do in Phoenix."
"If you're ever in PHX or Gilbert AZ, Undertow is a must visit."
"Undertow really blew me away."
"My top three are Undertow Phoenix with A drinks and A+ tiki vibe."
"The Original Undertow In Phoenix is my absolute Favorite."
"Undertow in Phoenix for me."
"Undertow is the obvious answer (much more of a typical immersive tiki bar and it’s totally worth your time)."
#3
False Idol
4.9
(17)
"I can also recommend False Idol, Mothership, Raised by Wolves, and Space Pod."
"False Idol - This is a real-deal, world class tiki bar."
"False Idol in Little Italy is a personal favorite."
"False Idol, Mothership, and the Sunday brunch at Bali Hai."
"False Idol."
"False Idol has been my favorite."
"False Idol in San Diego has been the best for me so far."
"False Idol."
"False Idol
Been to 20+ tiki bars between here and NYC."
"False Idol as many have described."
#4
Frankie's Tiki Room
3.8
(17)
"Frankie's in Las Vegas! Very cool, old school vibes."
"I love Golden Tiki and Frankie's and are my go to's as a local."
"Frankies (dive bar style) and The Golden Tiki (kitschy style). Both are great!"
"It wouldn't be a tiki trip without a stop at Frankie's Tiki Room."
"The Velvetine Rabbit, Atomic Liquors, Franks Tiki Room, if ya wanna make a drive there’s a cool saloon in Goodsprings"
"Frankies Tiki Room or The Golden Tiki"
"I personally prefer Frankie’s in the afternoon"
"I LOVE Frankie's. But it's kind of a dive that also happens to be an amazing tiki bar."
"Frankies for the drinks."
"Frankie's and Golden Tiki for tiki bars"
#5
Smuggler's Cove
5.0
(12)
"Smuggler's Cove."
"Smuggler's Cove"
"Smugglers Cove."
"Definitely Smugglers Cove."
"Smuggler's Cove."
"1. Smuggler’s Cove."
"Smuggler's Cove and False Idol are my top 2!"
"Smuggler's Cove
1. Last Rites
1. Forbidden Island (Alameda)
1. Tonga Room (just for the historical purposes)
1. Pagan Idol
1. Trader Vic's (Emeryville, another historical pilgrimage)..."
"If you're into the classics, this is pretty much essential."
"Smuggler's Cove has the best drinks."
#6
Tiki Ti
4.6
(11)
"Tiki Ti in Los Angeles."
"Still open: Tiki Ti in LA & Sunken Harbor Club in NYC."
"Still open: Tiki Ti in LA & Sunken Harbor Club in NYC"
"Tiki Ti, no question."
"Tiki Ti. Pretty sure on Wednesdays from 5pm-6pm, they have Ray‘s Mistakes for $5."
"Tiki Ti is going to be both the closest and arguably the best."
"Tiki Ti. In Los Feliz. Check hours before you go."
"Tiki Ti and Tonga Hut"
"Tiki Ti."
"But a “best” would be Tiki Ti because it’s a strange spot, uncomfortable, time warpy and elusive."
#7
Swizzle
4.8
(9)
"It's Swizzle. Good mix of Don the Beachcomber originals and a smattering of Trader Vic/Steve Crane drinks along with their own originals."
"Swizzle is great people and atmosphere, strong drinks."
"Definitely swizzle! If you’ve been to Chicago or are familiar with Malort, they are the only tiki bar in the country to make a drink with Malort."
"Their QB Cooler is a Donn the Beachcomber Mai Tai riff that's absolutely worth trying."
"Adding on to the love for Swizzle. Fun atmosphere. Excellent Mai Tais."
"Yeah Swizzle is the best tiki bar for drinks and atmosphere."
"SWIZZLE! Don’t walk, run."
"It’s a hidden speakeasy. It’s not quite tiki but plenty of rum and tiki-esque drinks."
"Priority would be Swizzle honestly! 4 Kahunas second."
#8
Frankie's
4.7
(7)
"Was so disappointed by golden tiki, loved Frankie’s."
"Frankie’s I love that you can smoke in there 😍"
"Gotta be Frankie’s! The artwork, once your eyes get adjusted to the light..."
"Frankie's"
"Frankies is just very casual and the bartenders are very funny."
"Frankie’s, hands down."
"Frankie's is a dive and old school. Focus is in the drinks."
#9
Strongwater
5.0
(6)
"Overall : Strongwater."
"Easy. Strong Water in Anaheim."
"Strong water! Love the drinks and the vibe."
"Strongwater, best tiki drinks, food, and ambiance."
"Hands down Strongwater."
"Strongwater in Anaheim. Make sure you get a reservation to sit inside."
#10
Sunken Harbor Club
4.8
(6)
"SUNKEN HARBOR CLUB!!!"
"That's the current tiki cocktail program to beat in NYC."
"Sunken Harbor Club!!!"
"Gotta be Sunken Harbor Club."
"I had an epic time at Sunken Harbor Club this last summer."
"Sunken Harbor Club for the drinks."
#11
Archipelago
4.7
(6)
"Archipelago is the only one I have gone to, seen it twice, and is fantastic."
"Sounds like Archipelago is the way to go."
"Archipelago, then Tiki TNT. Then everything else."
"Highly recommend Archipelago on U Street."
"Archipelago and Tiki on 18th both good."
"Archipelago."
#12
Esotico
4.3
(6)
"At the Esotica, I had the Zombie, Nui Mai Tai, & Navy Grog and my wife had a Zombie & Sexy Colada. We both shared a Mauna Kea Volcano. All drinks were spectacular with great presentations."
"Esotico hands down, and they just opened the Koana Room which is a full on tiki bar in the back."
"Esotico is where I would recommend. I was down in Miami last summer for a concert and checked it out and had a really good time."
"Esotico. The cocktail/tiki scene in Miami was disappointing, but this place was solid."
"Esotico, crazy Daniele Dalla Pola's bar, is really your only option for a "tiki" bar."
"Esotico is a modern tropical bar that has classic tiki cocktails."
#13
Smuggler’s Cove
5.0
(5)
"The best one out here (SF, CA,) is Smugglers Cove."
"My favorites are Smuggler’s Cove, Lei Low and Tonga Hut."
"Smuggler’s Cove had the best drinks, but Trader Sam’s was the most fun."
"Smugglers Cove & Forbidden Island."
"Smuggler’s Cove in SF."
#14
Mai Kai
4.8
(5)
"I think I would have to say Moloka'i & the Mai Kai as establishments, for the grandeur and history of it all."
"Living in South Florida, I’m a huge fan of Mai Kai."
"Of all time, probably the Mai Kai."
"Mai kai"
"The Mai Kai was a lot of fun."
#15
Suffering Bastard
4.8
(5)
"Suffering Bastard in Sanford is top tier."
"Suffering Bastard in Sanford"
"Permanent vacation is great. That and Suffering Bastard are probably the best."
"Delicious Tiki drinks and food, amazing staff."
"Suffering Bastard in Sanford"
#16
Trader Vic's
4.6
(5)
"Runners-up: Any of the OG-style Trader Vic's."
"A visit to the ‘original’ tiki bar/Mecca would be great."
"Trader Vic's has the highest Critiki rating in London."
"Trader Vic's in Munich."
"Not many here in the UK but loved Trader Vic’s in London."
#17
Stray Pirate
4.6
(5)
"Stray pirates cocktails are 10/10."
"Stray Pirate"
"Stray Pirate was amazing - service, drinks, and decor were all on point."
"Stray Pirate - very good drinks. Super friendly bar staff."
"Stray pirate new rum/tiki bar downtown in the arts district."
#18
Pagan Idol
4.6
(5)
"Pagan Idol, for sure."
"Pagan Idol"
"Pagan Idol"
"Pagan Idol."
"Also Pagan Idol, Forbidden Island, and the newly opened Zombie Village."
#19
Tiki Tatsu-Ya
4.6
(5)
"Had a fantastic time at Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin TX this summer."
"Tiki Tatsuya for the best experience."
"Tiki Tatsu-Ya is number one."
"Tiki Tatsu-Ya"
"Some friends went to Tiki Tatsu-ya … said it was great."
#20
Forbidden Island
4.6
(5)
"For me it’s Forbidden Island, Alameda CA."
"Forbidden Island: been serving the best drinks for over a decade!"
"Forbidden Island is a must visit."
"Forbidden Island is my local."
"Wonderful Tiki bar in Alameda that quite highly rated and absolutely worth a stop."
#21
Tiki Iniki
4.2
(5)
"Tiki Iniki is probably the most authentic on the island!"
"I really enjoyed the bar and it sounds like others here did as well."
"We loved tiki iniki. Decent happy hour too!"
"Tiki Iniki is afaik the only one. It's good and the food is pretty good too."
"On our last trip there we had a great time at Tiki Iniki."
#22
Trader Sam's Tiki Bar
5.0
(4)
"Trader Sam's and the Tonga Room in San Francisco."
"Can never go wrong with Disneyland's Trader Sam's (or Grog Grotto in Disney World)"
"Frankie's and Trader Sam's certainly have the most variety of mugs AND they're consistently in stock."
"I got my collection started with Trader Sam's back when the mugs were only like $25 including the drink, which was a great deal."
#23
Permanent Vacation
5.0
(4)
"Permanent Vacation rules!"
"Permanent Vacation is probably the best choice."
"Currently sitting at permanent vacation and it’s dope as hell."
"Permanent Vacation is not to be missed."
#24
Tiki Chick
3.8
(5)
"I rate it up there. More of a modern open-air aesthetic, playing horror and cult flicks, superb drinks across the menu."
"Tiki Chick on the UWS is great."
"Tiki chick on the uws is fun."
"Tiki chick on the uws is always a good time."
"Depending on when you go, Tiki Chick may come off as more of a club than a Tiki bar."
#25
Tiki Cat
4.8
(4)
"Tiki cat in Kansas City. Rip."
"TikiCat in KC (RIP) was amazing."
"Tiki Cat."
"Tiki Cat has good drinks."
#26
Red Dwarf
4.8
(4)
"Red Dwarf is my current fave"
"And for something different hit the Red Dwarf for their Detroit style pizza - literally the best pizza I’ve ever had. It’s kind of a divey punk tiki bar (like Otto’s in NYC) with tiki drinks which are fine and a cool vibe."
"Yes go to red dwarf hands down. But go hungry."
"Red Dwarf, Golden Tiki, Frankie's all fit the bill."
#27
Opal
3.8
(5)
"I have the Opal 2.0 with the side tank. It's for daily use and lives in the kitchen. The ice is amazing for tiki drinks."
"To be clear - the Opal 2.0 (not the first version). It can be had for $450-500 USD."
"I bought a used 1 gen opal for $40 on CL. Ad said it wasn't working but I cleaned it up and descaled it and it's been working great for almost 3 years now."
"I don’t have one but I’m guessing you’re going to get a lot of recs for the GE Opal."
"Opal is loud as heck and needs a ton of cleaning otherwise it’s gross."
#28
Laki Kane
4.5
(4)
"The Laki Kane has great people working there, They take Tropical Escapes seriously."
"Laki Kane for sure! Trailer Happiness is brilliant too."
"Laki Kane is great!"
"Drinks were fabulous and creative."
#29
The Honu
4.5
(4)
"Best spot left in the area is The Honu in Dunedin."
"The Honu in Dunedin is so far the best I’ve been to."
"The Honu is probably your best bet."
"Dunedin, just north of Tampa has a really nice bar/restaurant called The Honu."
#30
Tonga Room
4.3
(4)
"Pound for pound San Francisco has the most to offer. Tonga Room."
"Would take out-of-town visitors to Tonga Room for dinner."
"The Tonga Room in San Francisco."
"Tonga room and smugglers cove"
#31
Tonga Hut
4.3
(4)
"Tonga Hut hands down. Best bang for your buck in the LA area imo."
"Well made drinks that aren’t all simple syrup & 151. Super chill atmosphere & relaxed vibe."
"Tonga Hut for a little bit rock and roll"
"Tonga Hut is a classic but a bit far from Irwindale."
#32
Trader Sam's
4.0
(4)
"Trader Sam’s in Anaheim is worth the trip."
"Plus, you get Trader Sam's and Twisted Tiki in that same area."
"Trader Sam’s. But $$$."
"I do enjoy Trader Sams. It's in the Disneyland Hotel so it has the Disney-fied treatment."
#33
Mutiny
4.0
(4)
"Mutiny is the best proper tiki bar."
"Mutiny just rolled out a new drink menu."
"I’ve only been to Mutiny but I definitely recommend it."
"Mutiny is a dive tiki bar, nothing special but at least you can say you’ve been there."
#34
Devil's Reef
4.0
(4)
"Afraid you won’t do better than Devil’s Reef in Tacoma."
"Tacoma has Devil's Reef and also The Old Hangout."
"It's a bit of a drive but check out Devils Reef in Tacoma."
"Devils reef in Tacoma."
#35
Hamilton
4.0
(4)
"I enjoy Hamilton 86 and thus, use it wherever a Demerara is called for."
"I suggest getting Hamilton 151 if you can find it."
"Demerara, either Hamilton 86 or El D 8."
"You might also want to look into ... Hamilton 151."
#36
Boat Drinks
5.0
(3)
"Boat Drinks wasn’t even on my radar but it is now, many thanks!"
"Boat Drinks is one of my favorites. Incredible rum bar."
"Boat Drinks is fantastic, if you make it up to Jax Beach, Flask and Cannon has an amazing program as well."
#37
Paradise Lost
5.0
(3)
"Paradise Lost is great, very immersive."
"Paradise Lost on the other hand IS a must see!"
"Paradise Lost on the other hand IS a must see!"
#38
Frankie's Tiki Bar
5.0
(3)
"Frankie's (Las Vegas)"
"Frankie's and Trader Sam's certainly have the most variety of mugs AND they're consistently in stock."
"Frankie's has a really cool selection and the prices are great, especially for Vegas."
#39
Hale Pele
4.7
(3)
"For the same reasons as zombie village."
"Hale Pele for vibe,"
"My favorite of the dozen or so I've been to has been Hale Pele in Portland."
#40
Three Dots and a Dash
4.7
(3)
"Three Dots and a Dash for upscale,"
"Three Dots and a Dash."
"Chicago has some good one. Like Three dot and a dash and Lost lake."
#41
Latitude 29
4.3
(3)
"Without contest, Latitude 29."
"I’ve only been to Archipelago (RIP) and Latitude 29."
"Latitude 29 has had the best, most consistent drinks."
#42
Otto's Shrunken Head
4.3
(3)
"Hands down Otto’s."
"Otto's Shrunken Head or the Sunken Harbor Club."
"First one that comes to mind: [https://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/](https://www.ottosshrunkenhead.com/)"
#43
Grass Skirt
4.3
(3)
"Grass Skirts was AMAZING though, I had an absolute blast there."
"Grass Skirt, False Idol, Bali Hai are my gotos."
"Grass Skirt, False Idol, Bali Hai are my gotos"
#44
El Dorado
4.3
(3)
"I ended up going with ... El Dorado 8 ... excited to try all of these"
"El Dorado 8 would probably be my next choice, for what it's worth."
"Demerara, either Hamilton 86 or El D 8."
#45
Don's
4.3
(3)
"I’ll enthusiastically at my votes for both Don’s and Huggos/on the rocks. Lovely cocktails and tons of fun."
"Had an absolutely wonderful 3 dots."
"I enjoyed Don's, Lava Lava Beach Club, Huggo's, etc."
#46
Hula Hula
3.0
(4)
"Hula Hula isn’t really tiki at all."
"Another vote for Hula Hula."
"Hula Hula on Capitol Hill is a tiki-themed bar and has karaoke!"
"Hula Hula is a full tiki bar with very good atmosphere and not very good drinks."
#47
Damon's
4.0
(3)
"I’m in love with Damon’s. I think that place is so cool."
"Damon's has the best old-school tiki vibes."
"Damon's (Glendale) is the first Tiki-adjacent place you'll hit."
#49
Jungle Bird
4.0
(3)
"My favorite experience was at Jungle Bird in San Juan."
"Jungle bird for sure"
"Have a look at Jungle Bird in Cape Coral."
#50
The Polynesian
3.7
(3)
"The Polynesian in NYC."
"I’m partial to the Polynesian because the size and quality of the menu is outstanding."
"The Polynesian is probably the “best” tiki bar in NYC."
#51
Jammyland
5.0
(2)
"If you haven't been to Jammyland in the Arts district, it's amazing! Great cocktails and chill reggae/tiki vibe."
"For best tiki/tropical drinks, go to Jammyland and thank me later."
#52
Kaona Room
5.0
(2)
"If you ever get a chance and you're back here, give the Koana a try. It's a great venue. The bartenders at both places are great."
"If you are looking for super legit tiki bars do yourself a favor and go next door to their 'secret' new tiki bar, Kaona Room. Its the same ownership. Its far more intimate and they have done an incredible job with the decor, perfect music pairing."
#53
Last Rites
5.0
(2)
"Last Rites"
"Last Rites is my personal favorite, but I think you really can't go wrong with any of them!!"
#54
Trader Vic’s
5.0
(2)
"Super classy old school joint. Amazing drinks, fantastic food and great service."
"Definitely get to Trader Vic’s."
#55
The Mai Kai
5.0
(2)
"The ONLY Tiki bar that I’ve been to but it’s a hard one to beat."
"The Mai Kai. Now and Forever."
#56
Smith & Cross
5.0
(2)
"Jamaican: Smith & Cross."
"For a Jamaican, I’d say either S&C or Hamilton Jamaican are both solid choices."
#57
Tiki
5.0
(2)
"Tiki TNT"
"Tiki Oasis is happening in a few weeks, if you want to go full immersion."
#58
Shameful Tiki
5.0
(2)
"Vancouver has the Shameful Tiki and it’s a near perfect intimate and divey style joint that has great drinks."
"Shameful tiki in Vancouver was pretty stand out"
#59
Porcos
5.0
(2)
"I just gotta shout out Porco’s in Cleveland."
"Porcos is easily one of the best in the midwest."
#60
Smugglers Cove
5.0
(2)
"Smuggler's Cove in San Francisco."
"Get a book called Smugglers Cove and take that tiki bar to the next level!"
#61
Bali Hai Tiki Bar
5.0
(2)
"The bar at Bali hai is the only original tiki bar left."
"Bali Hai."
#62
Mothership
5.0
(2)
"Mothership and False Idol are amazing."
"Mothership and False Idol."
#63
Don the Beachcomber
4.5
(2)
"Don the beachcomber is opening soon"
"Don the Beachcomber at the Royal Kona hotel makes a nice 1944 Mai Tai and has a pretty setting."
#64
Starboard Tack
4.5
(2)
"Great drinks and rum selection, and 24 hour food that is really good."
"Starboard Tack is also amazing. They have great cocktails with a tiki vibe."
#65
Surf Bar
4.5
(2)
"Huge huge fan of Surf Bar in Williamsburg!"
"Surf bar in Williamsburg has a lot of outdoor space. Drinks are standard tiki bar stuff."
#66
Lake Minneola Tiki Bar
4.5
(2)
"Maybe the Lake Minneola Tiki Bar. Haven’t been in a long time though."
"There's one in Minneola on lake Minneola, beer only."
#67
Shore Leave
4.5
(2)
"Basically Shore Leave: https://www.shoreleaveboston.com/"
"Shore Leave and Tiger Mama."
#68
Undertow Tiki Bar
4.5
(2)
"Undertow in Phoenix has great merch including mugs and glasses."
"Undertow gets my vote but they can get $$$"
#69
The Old Hangout
4.5
(2)
"The Old Hangout at the Elks Temple McMenamins in Tacoma is even better IMO!"
"Tacoma has Devil's Reef and also The Old Hangout."
#70
Tarantula
4.5
(2)
"Screaming Skull at Tarantula is beyond good!"
"Tarantula has better decor and awesome swizzles."
#71
Tahiti Nui
4.5
(2)
"My favorite is Tahiti Nui in Hanalei, Kauai."
"Tahiti Nui is probably the oldest established being 61 years old."
#72
Skull and Crown
4.5
(2)
"I'd recommend Skull and Crown."
"Skull and crown, make reservations now."
#73
Forbidden Island Tiki Bar
4.5
(2)
"Do an east bay day with Forbidden Island and Trader Vic's."
"Honorable mention to Forbidden Island, their House Mug by Tiki Diablo is a classic."
#74
Aku Aku
4.5
(2)
"Aku Aku"
"Aku Aku downtown. Close to Lake Eola."
#75
Tiki Easy
4.0
(2)
"If you happen to get up to Asheville, Tiki Easy is a really good one."
"Tiki easy in Asheville, NC was so so good."
#76
Otto’s
4.0
(2)
"Otto’s for some tiki rockabilly"
"For me it's Otto's and I've been to a ton."
#77
Lost Inferno
4.0
(2)
"Pretty cool little tiki bar."
"I just heard about a spot in San Clemente called Lost Inferno, apparently it's only been open a little more than a month but the pictures I've seen look awesome!"
#78
Euhomy
4.0
(2)
"Get a Gevi or Euhomy nugget ice machine."
"We went with the Euhomy nugget ice maker, model IM-12S-HM… smaller footprint so not as much ice, but it makes ice fast."
#79
Hula's Modern Tiki
4.0
(2)
"In Phoenix Hula’s Modern Tiki and The Captain’s Cabin."
"They also have great food."
#80
Max's South Sea's Hideaway
4.0
(2)
"Maxes Hideaway."
"Max's South Sea's Hideaway in Grand Rapids, Michigan for sure."
#81
Rumba
3.5
(2)
"My boyfriend and I decided to go to Rumba on their tiki night and had a great time."
"Rumba in Capitol Hill"
#82
Trailer Happiness
3.5
(2)
"We had a blast at Trailer Happiness and loved the drinks."
"Trailer Happiness in Notting Hill isn’t bad. It’s local/dive bar with a tiki theme. Drinks were good and people were friendly."
#83
Inside Passage
3.5
(2)
"My top 5 in no particular order: Inside Passage in Seattle."
"Capitol Hill has Inside Passage which is very nice, too fancy to really be tiki."
#84
North Shore Lagoon
3.0
(2)
"Bothell also has North Shore Lagoon in the McMenamins."
"Also North Shore Lagoon at McMenamins in Bothell."
#85
Elk Room
4.0
(1)
"Not strictly Tiki but the Elk Room is worth a visit if you’re in the area"
#86
Speakeasy Inn
4.0
(1)
"They had an outstanding selection of rums!"
#87
Tiki Underground
4.0
(1)
"Tiki Underground, Porco"
#88
The Secret Tiki Temple
4.0
(1)
"The Secret Tiki Temple seemed really legit."
#89
Hana Koa Brewery
4.0
(1)
"Hana Koa brewery has good cocktails."
#90
Lucky Tiki
4.0
(1)
"Lucky Tiki, but like others said, you’ll need to make a reservation on their website."
#91
Hau Tree
4.0
(1)
"Hau Tree at Kaimana Beach."
#92
Atlas
3.0
(1)
"Atlas in Bishop arts has a tiki room in the back and it’s ok, It’s very small."
#93
Limin' Lounge
2.0
(1)
"The drinks aren't hand mixed and come out of a tap, so the balance isn't very good."
Discover your audience
GummySearch is an audience research toolkit for 130,000 unique communities on Reddit.
If you are looking for startup problems to solve, want to validate your idea or find your customers online, GummySearch is for you.
Sign up for free, get community insights in minutes.
Tell me more
Get started
