Time for a nice vacation under the sun! Tiki bars are the best places to sit back and enjoy the ease of summer, while also enjoying great drinks and a nice, island atmosphere—even if you’re in the city! Check out some of these awesome tiki bars found across the U.S.
Best Tiki Bars in the U.S.
Smugglers Cove - San Francisco
This tiki bar offers a variety of different drinks, but focuses on one kind in particular: rum. This Caribbean-inspired tiki bar has 500 different kinds of rum, and is very adamant that you try them all--they offer a punch card to keep track of all the drinks you try! Smugglers Cove is perfect if you are into trying new things: whether it be new rum, or a new taste of the Caribbean.
Address: 650 Gough Street (at McAllister), San Francisco, CA
Three Dots and a Dash - Chicago
Three Dots and a Dash is a more modern tiki lounge. Come in and enjoy one of the signature cocktails, or plan a party with your friends and rent out the place for an evening of Caribbean food and drinks! This lounge also features some of the greatest mixologists from around the world, who know what they’re making and how to do it well. If you find yourself around town on May 1st, stop by the annual Tiki Luau and Pig Roast for an evening of food and culture—but be sure to buy your tickets first!
Address: 435 N. Clark, Chicago, IL
La Mariana Sailing Club - Honolulu
This tiki bar serves as a historic reminder of the ‘old days of Hawaii’. Famed for being the set of the hit TV show ‘Hawaii 5-0’, this bar is one of the last original tiki bars in the area. Although the tiki bar is a hit, there is also a marina and gift shop here, so be sure to get some souvenirs and relax by the water while you drink mai tais and enjoy the culture of old Hawaiiana.
Address: 50 Sand Island Access Rd., Honolulu, HI
Psycho Suzi’s Motor Lounge - Minneapolis
If you’re in to have a night where you leave your concerns at the door, Psycho Suzi’s is the place to be. This eccentric tiki bar combines the history behind tiki bars with a grunge tattoo-parlor vibe, and considers it to be a ‘feast of the senses’. Psycho Suzi’s is the place to be if you aren’t into the history or authenticity of a restaurant. If you’re looking to eat, drink, and be merry, this is the place for you.
Address: 1900 Marshall St. Northeast, Minneapolis, MN
Sip ‘N Dip Lounge - Great Falls, MT
This tiki bar out in Montana has been a local favorite for years, and has gained international recognition over the years after being named GQ Magazine’s #1 bar on earth worth flying for in 2003. Sip N’ Dip is a fun bar filled with good food and drinks, and even has a glass wall behind the bar for watching people—or mermaids--swim around (at specific hours). You can hang out at the bar, play some fun games, or even listen to some live piano music from Piano-Pat Spoonheim. Head over to Sip ‘N Dip to have a drink, and maybe see a mermaid or two if you’re lucky!
Address: 17 7th Street, Great Falls MT
Mai-Kai Restaurant - Fort Lauderdale
If you’re looking for the complete tropical experience, Mai-Kai is the place for you. Whether you want to have a quick drink after a day at the beach, or are planning dinner for the family, Mai Kai provides you with that and a little entertainment. This tiki lounge features performances from the Mai-Kai Islanders right after dinner (if you pay the extra fee to watch). Check out Mai-Kai for a nice night out filled with good food and a touch of adventure.
Address: 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Adrift - Denver
This tiki bar in Denver is one of the last in the area, and acknowledges that by serving a menu filled with a variety of different cocktails as well as ‘island inspired’ dishes to provide a classic tiki setting. The drinks are centered around rum, and the food gives you a taste of the Caribbean. As soon as you walk in, your are taken over by an island vibe—from the warm colors to the tiki decorations all around the bar. Adrift is one of the ‘hidden gems’ in Denver, so be on the lookout for it the next time you visit.
Address: 218 S Broadway, Denver, CO
Frankie’s Tiki Room - Las Vegas
Frankie’s Tiki Room is the perfect mix between the Vegas life and an island vacation. This 24-hour bar is the perfect escape from the constant buzz of the city, and serves both rum-based and regular cocktail drinks. Frankie’s is very proud of its traditional and original décor, created by the same artist that crafted Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room. The restaurant also features art from undiscovered artists and tiki-carvers from around the country. Come stop by this tiki room for a nice break from the busy life of Vegas.
Address: 1712 W Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV
Kowloon Restaurant - Saugus, MA
This bar offers a variety of different cuisines from around the world. You can enjoy a luau, lagoon, or a Thai grill scene all in one restaurant! Kowloon also features a ‘Komedy Club’ on Fridays and Saturdays, so be sure to stop by then for some laughs and a few drinks; and check the schedule to see when your favorite comedians are in town. If you want to plan a big event for the family, or even a fun gathering for friends, this restaurant also serves for big parties, so be sure to make a reservation.
Address: 948 Broadway, Saugus, MA
Zombie Hut - Brooklyn, NY
The Zombie Hut is known as Brooklyn’s most notorious tiki bar. Although it may be small, this bar is the perfect place to be if you want a good drink and a carefree evening. Bring some friends and try a variety of different cocktails, including the Frozen Zombie, which is typically shared with four people. If you love the tropical theme, but aren’t up for a tropical drink, don’t worry—the bar also offers some non island-style drinks as well.
Address: 273 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY
Grass Skirt Tiki Room - Columbus, OH
Grass Skirt Tiki Room is considered to be Columbus’ ‘downtown oasis’. Come and enjoy a nice island meal, or even brunch. The bar is a combination old and new tiki bar styles, and features a great drink selection with specials during happy hour. The bar is small, but the space provides for a comfortable atmosphere. Come by Grass Skirt for a nice drink on a day off.
Address: 105 N Grant Ave., Columbus, OH
This article was written by Kellyn Nettles.