LA Tiki Bar Tour

Tiki-Ti

4427 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles

If you’re lucky enough to go when it’s open, Tiki-Ti is one of the finest bars in Los Angeles—and we mean finest bars, period, not just tiki bars. The seating is extremely limited and smoking is permitted; put simply, it’s a bastion of civility and joy. The Ray’s Mistake cocktail might change your life. I moved from Venice to K-Town just to be closer to this spot. It's a glorious inspiration straddling less than 300 square feet.

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Tonga Hut

12808 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood

Sensational cocktails, unbeatable decor and an enlightened juke box make Tonga Hut an absolute must for novice and veteran tiki fans alike. For mid-century design enthusiasts, their conversation pit centered around a classic terra cotta colored Malm Zircon fireplace is worth the trip alone. Strong pours, perfect lighting, awesome clientele and the kind of jukebox that you learn something from every visit.

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Tiki No

4657 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood

A newcomer to the tiki scene in the Valley, Tiki No boasts tasty cocktails, awesome bamboo work and a really killer patio, perfect for chilling out on those lovely valley nights. We loved their Scorpion Bowl and the Zombie.

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Don The Beachcomber

16278 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach

Don the Beachcomber in Huntington Beach cannot be reduced to a bar, an archipelago of lively dining areas, or a gastronomical go-to. It is a destination and the Mecca of Polynesian pop in SoCal, brimming with moody bamboo work, black velvet musings and a sizable menagerie of ceramic do-dads. Leave your pre-conceived notions of Tiki drinks being too-sweet at the door. Don purveys superb, balanced, dry concoctions that leave you speaking Maori. We enjoyed the Navy Grog and the Rum Barrel.

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Ventiki

701 E Main St, Ventura

This is a super cute bar with a great patio and tasty snacks. You'll find strong, complex, meticulously mixed classic Tiki drinks here. There is also a fire pit and some awesome decor flourishes. Ventiki comes correct in the merch department with custom mugs and T-shirts. They do a fun Tiki Drink check-off list called the Ventiki Challenege. Check that out if you’re local or not getting near a vehicle.

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Hong Kong Inn

435 E Thompson Blvd, Ventura

Two glorious words generally nullify any shortcomings in a Tiki restaurant: Floor Show. That’s right, Hong Kong Inn has tasty drinks and decent food, but they also have a Polynesian dance revue.

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Duke's Malibu

21150 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu

This Malibu destination features a glossy bar and restaurant with limited Tiki drinks, but it's a really fun spot on the water nonetheless. We loved the house Mai Tai and the Scorpion. The Hula Pie is also divine.

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Trader Vic's Mai Tai Lounge

9876 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210

A shell of it’s former glory, but still a lovely tiki bar nonetheless, Trader Vic's is peppered with relics from year's past just off the pool at the Beverly Hilton. The drinks are perfect.

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Purple Orchid

221 Richmond St, El Segundo

Purple Orchid is an excellent neighborhood haunt in El Seg. The tiki vibe is strong, lighting is moody and the bamboo work is excellent. The only downside is that during each of our visits (three, in all) the bartender says she’s out of menus, and that really drops the bomb on our Bikini atoll. Hold our hand while you take our money, Purple Orchid. Jazz it up. Menus. Printed. Please, it matters.

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