It's An Endless Summer at Los Angeles Tiki Bars
When the original Don's Beachcomber opened in 1933, Hollywood became the official birthplace of the Polynesian themed Tiki culture reflected in architecture, fashion, and movies. Decorated with items that Donn Beach (aka Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt) scavenged from the ocean shores, the bar later known as Don the Beachcomber served “exotic” rum drinks with flair. The island escapism offered by his imaginative Tiki concept and its many imitators flourished for decades before nearly being killed off in the disco era.
Tiki's current resurgence owes a lot to the craft cocktail movement, which recognized the potential in the elaborate tropical concoctions made with house syrups and fresh juices. With a new generation of bartenders leading the way, the LA tiki scene is once again thriving, and nothing says summer more than a fancy fruit garnish and a little paper umbrella.
Lucky Tiki
Originally located in Mission Hills, the Lucky Tiki has been reborn inside the former studio of The Doors, in a hidden space behind 1933 Group's Tail o' the Pup. Ascend the staircase and step into a visual feast of vintage and custom Tiki decor. Cocktails include variations on classics and Lucky Tiki signatures: The Ghost of Jim Morrison, a nod to the bar’s previous incarnation, is made with Copalli Rum, Lucky Tiki Blackberry Shrub and a burning rosemary sprig “tribute”; and the Lucky Tiki Mai Tai - Trader Vic’s style with Flor de Caña Eco 15-year “aged in a sea-soaked oak barrel.” Inspired by the King’s favorite sandwich, the Elvis in Hawaii is made with peanut butter whiskey, Crème de Banane, cabernet float and garnished with brûléed banana slices. Guests can bring their Tail o’ the Pup orders upstairs to enjoy inside Lucky Tiki, including the off-menu Hawaiian Dog. NOTE: Lucky Tiki is reservation-only, book your table at Resy.
Pacific Seas - Clifton's Republic
After acquiring the much loved Clifton’s Cafeteria, developer Andrew Meieran embarked on a multi-million dollar rejuvenation of the massive space to open multiple themed bars within the landmark venue. Accessed through a mirrored door and a hidden staircase to the third floor, Pacific Seas is filled to the ceiling with vintage Tiki items saved from defunct watering holes like Bahooka and Trader Vic’s. Polynesian dancers and DJs in the centerpiece Chris-Craft boat add to the tropical festivities. Open Thursday-Saturday. Aloha wear is encouraged!
The Mermaid
Opened in 2018, The Mermaid offers the relaxed vibe of a comfortable neighborhood bar with the light kitsch its nautical theme commands. Industry vets Katie Kildow and Arelene Roldan set out to make the Little Tokyo space—formerly a hostess bar—a safe and comfortable place for people of all genders to relax and enjoy tropical cocktails.
Tiki Ti
Opened in 1961, the legendary Tiki-Ti is world-famous for its tropical libations and aloha spirit. The tiny bar serves as both a neighborhood watering hole and a pilgrimage spot for tiki-philes. Tiki-Ti was founded by Ray Buhen, one of Don the Beachcomber’s original bartenders. Buhen worked at numerous tiki bars and went into business for himself with his signature recipes. Relax under the warm glow of illuminated glass floats, listen to the gurgle of the fountain (if you can hear it over the crowd), and admire the placards on the walls from legends and locals alike.
In recognition of its importance, the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation selected Tiki-Ti for the Timeless U.S. Award at the 2023 Spirited Awards, widely regarded as the James Beards of the global cocktail culture.
Tonga Hut
LA’s oldest tiki bar still in operation, the Tonga Hut opened in 1958 and has returned to its roots as North Hollywood’s Polynesian pop paradise. Tonga Hut is the home of the Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard (ask the bartenders), and also hosts rum tasting seminars once a month at the Rhum Rum Club. Every second Sunday, the Sunday Surf Stomp features surf instrumentalists, the Glasgow Tiki Shakers.
Tiki No
Located in the heart of the NoHo Arts District, Tiki No features an interior built by the legendary "Bamboo Ben" Bassham, a third-generation tiki designer who utilized the natural thatch and bamboo you'd expect to see in an island village. Serving up a mix of classic and original cocktails since 2005, Tiki No offers live music, karaoke, and Happy Hour seven nights a week. Special annual events include a summer solstice celebration every June 21 and Piña Colada Day on July 10.
Kahuna Tiki
Opened in 2014, Kahuna Tiki is a North Hollywood restaurant with plenty of aloha spirit. Filled with rattan, tiki torches and surfboards, Kahuna features a menu focused on sushi, pupus and Hawaiian style plates. The bar works only with beer and wine, so inventive drinks like the Waikiki Wipeout and the Makuakane Mule showcase the wonders a creative bartender can do without rum. On Sundays, Kahuna hosts an authentic Polynesian luau complete with dancers, live music and plenty of food.
Damon's
If you’re looking for a fine steak and a tasty Chi Chi while sitting in a vintage booth surrounded by tropical murals, then Damon’s Steak House in Glendale is your place. Opened in 1937, Damon’s is an old school joint that represents the origins of Tiki - a restaurant with faux tropical items like blue drinks, coconut shrimp and "palm trees." Charming and quaint, Damon’s harkens back to a simpler time with Mai Tais and twice-baked potatoes.
Purple Orchid
A former neighborhood dive bar in El Segundo, the Purple Orchid transformed into a tiki bar under new ownership in 2001. Complete with the requisite carved tiki idols and glowing pufferfish, the bathrooms are wallpapered with The Book of Tiki by historian Sven Kirsten. Purple Orchid serves their signature French Zombie to thirsty travelers who wander in from nearby LAX, and the small stage plays hosts to surf and garage rock bands passing through town.