Tonga Hut - North Hollywood
23 Mar 2025
We visited late on a Saturday night and walked right in. There were people sitting outside in the makeshift patio in the back parking lot, and that had me worried as it was cold outside, but we were soon standing at the main bar inside, then sitting in one of the booths. It's a beautiful old place, and the drinks were good - albeit not the best of our trip to LA (Secret Island). I'd like to come back here sometime when it's not so late. The bartender was friendly and knew her stuff. The only complaint of the place is that it needs freshening up; meaning it's "worn" in places: ceiling tiles, etc. The bones of the place are fabulous, but a little TLC is in order with some added tiki touches. Also, it appears that they've been using the back parking lot as the entrance and patio for several years now, so it's time to make that look more permanent. No way would I want to sit back there; it looks like something some college kids threw together for a weekend party. Great old bar though. I can't wait to return.
Tiki Bar
Tonga Hut - North Hollywood
North Hollywood, California, United States
Established in 1958, the Tonga Hut is a small bar in the middle of the San Fernando Valley with some absolutely fantastic tiki decor, with a bamboo-ridged drop ceiling, lovely green booths and some great carvings. "Big Mo" the moai lurks just inside the front door. Towards the back is the "Drooling Bastard" tiki fountain which is overseen by the many placards from patrons who have passed the Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard test to drink every cocktail in Beachbum Berry's Grog Log (at the Tonga Hut) within one year.
In May 2021 the back parking lot was transformed into a garden area with tent canopy and the back entrance was graced with a new Kirby tiki mask.
@2023, the space next door on the east side became available, and Tonga hut now leases it as well. So far, it hasn't been completely remodeled to match, but it is utilized during marketplaces and special events and they have hung some swag lamps and a few art pieces to begin the transition.
In 2013, the owners opened a second location in Palm Springs. See separate listing.