Max’s South Seas Hideaway
2 Jan 2024
If you were going to build the Ultimate Modern Tiki bar from scratch this would be it! The decor, drink/food quality and quantity and immersive environment is all on point. The servers are professional and competent. I went two days in a row. The first day to the bar on the lower floor and the second day to the second floor. Both locations are amazing to be a part of. You can sit and look for hours at all the design touches.
The major downside is the location. It is very Michigan culturally - nobody seems to care at all that it is this shining exemplar of a modern Tiki temple. Not the other patrons, not the employees. I mostly overheard people talking about the bar that used to be in the space, which was apparently a college favorite to get cheap drinks and puke in the bathrooms and stairwells.
That aside, there is a nearby hotel within walking distance and there are several good breweries and restaurants also in the downtown area. So it is a great anchor for a weekend trip to Grand Rapids. Definitely a must see Tiki stop!
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Tiki Bar
Max’s South Seas Hideaway
Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
This is undoubtedly one of the finest tiki bars in the world.
Opened October of 2019 by Mark Sellers, with partners including Martin Cate (Smugglers Cove) and Mike "Gecko" Souriolle (Gecko'z South Sea Arts).
From their website:
"Experience a unique, world-class immersive experience for friends, co-workers, or a romantic escape.
Our two-story urban oasis features an immersive dining and drinking experience designed to transport guests to a distant tropical paradise bathed in perpetual twilight.
Max's features an original interior design from Bamboo Ben and Notch Gonzalez, two of the best-known tiki artisans in the world, along with a giant collection of vintage and modern tiki art and decor."