It doesn’t get much more fun than tiki bars. With their kitschy interiors and seriously strong island-themed cocktails, it starts to feel like a real shame that every bar isn’t a tiki bar. They’re just that good.
Read on to discover the very best tiki bars in the United States!
Burt’s Tiki Lounge (Albuquerque, New Mexico)
With its hip rock ‘n roll edge, this is certainly not your parents’ tiki bar. Darkly lit with a seriously moody dive bar vibe, Burt’s Tiki is one of the coolest tiki bars around. Live bands play here often, surrounded by the fantastical tiki décor, making this place one of a kind. Oh, and the drinks are incredibly strong, too, if that’s what you’re looking for.
Frankie’s Tiki Room (Las Vegas, Nevada)
First things first: This tiki gem is open 24 hours a day. So if you’re craving a Mai Tai at 4 in the morning, this is your spot. Located just off the Vegas strip, this tiki haven is decorated with shrunken heads, glowing blowfish and some seriously quirky-cool artwork. Frankie’s is classic Las Vegas and, most importantly, classic tiki.
Hale Pele (Portland, Oregon)
This Portland gem likes to keep it old school when it comes to its tiki drinks. Paying homage to the classic cocktail menus of famed bars like “Don the Beachcomber” and “Trader Vic’s,” Hale Pele does tiki drinks right. This bar also has the coolest and most unique interior, with both an indoor river and simulated rainstorms!
Bali Hai (San Diego, California)
This waterfront spot is absolutely gorgeous. But don’t let the ultra-modern and swanky exterior fool you; this place is actually 60 years old! This family-owned spot has been around forever; it’s as breathtaking as they come, and the tiki drinks are to die for. Order yourself a Bali Hai Mai Tai (its specialty) and take in that wonderful ocean air. There’s nothing more relaxing!
Tonga Room (San Francisco, California)
Located in the SF Fairmont, this tiki bar is an absolute delight. Inside, there is a lagoon that spans the entirety of the restaurant (yes, an actual lagoon), on top of which live bands play music on a floating barge. Yes, this is definitely a “need to see it to believe it” kind of place. But it’s also a “need to taste it to believe it” place too. Much like the Tonga Room’s wild aesthetic, its tiki drinks are truly out of this world.
Tiki-Ti (Los Angeles, California)
This tiny tiki bar (there are only 12 seats in the whole joint!) is a Los Angeles staple and a five-decade-plus institution. Diehard locals and curious tourists flock to this little tiki heaven for a taste of some of the most fanciful, and strongest, tiki drinks the City of Angels has to offer. Tip: There’s usually a line out the door to get in, and this place gets crowded very quickly, so try to get there on the early side if you want a seat!
Smuggler’s Cove (San Francisco, California)
Another San Francisco bar, Smuggler’s Cove is like being inside an old ship (and we mean that in the best way). Decorated with buoys, fishing rope and nets, this tiki treasure is a real thrill to be inside. And the tiki drinks are absolutely killer!
[tweetthis]Tiki! Tiki! Tiki! Get your drink on with the top tiki bars in the U.S. Is your fav on the list?[/tweetthis]
Moving closer to one of these tiki bars? Drink more, pack less with these tips on how to save time when packing for a move!