Hinky Dink's was Victor Bergeron's first restaurant; in 1937 it was renamed Trader Vic's, and became the launching point for a group of restaurants that heavily influenced the world of Polynesian Pop.

Bergeron opened Hinky Dink's in 1934 when he was 32. Advertisements for Hinky Dink's declared it the "Home of the Frankenstein." Hinky Dink's had great cocktails and unusual decor, but it wasn't the tropical paradise we think of with Trader Vic's today. Menus were printed on wooden cigar boxes.

Inspired by a trip to Hollywood, where he saw the tropical Seven Seas and Don the Beachcomber, he came home and upped the ante, coming up with the "Trader Vic" persona and developing the food & interior design.

Details

Type

Bar & Restaurant

Address

Oakland, California, United States

Closed?

Yes (Permanently)