From its opening in 1949 (putting it squarely in the pre-tiki category), Honolulu Harry’s Waikiki provided “entertainment direct from Hawaii” and “dancing under Hawaiian skies.”

The first location was at 4541 Broadway in Chicago.

Not long after opening, the bar made a short move and re-opened in 1952 at its final location at 804 W. Wilson.

Years before, this location on W. Wilson was the Barrel O' Fun Tavern, John Dillinger's favorite hangout.

This new incarnation was quite different: “There were fresh pineapples on the tables, paper leis and ti leaves hanging all around”.

Harry even imported tikis from Hawaii (see 1955 photo below with Harry, a fern tiki -- the Goddess Hina, and a hula dancer)

By 1959, the bar began touting itself as an “authentic Hawaiian theatre restaurant.”

Newspapers show the bar celebrated a 10 Year Anniversary in 1962.

It appears in later years before it closed (after 1962) that the name was shortened to "Club Waikiki".

Today, the site is home to The Covington Luxury Apartments, which were built in 1965, so Harry's must have closed some time between 1962 and 1965.

Details

Type

Bar & Restaurant

Address

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Closed?

Yes (Permanently)

Links

• tikicentral.com