Tiki Bars
Trader Vic's - Havana
La Habana, Cuba (Closed)
Opened in 1958.
The Havana Trader Vic's opened at a volatile time -- just six months after the restaurant opened, its American manager was shot while running to catch one of the last airplanes out of Cuba back to the US.
This location is still open and Polynesian, but it is no longer a Trader Vic's -- it is run by the Cuban government as El Polinesio.
The 1964 movie "I Am Cuba" used decor, notably some birdcage lamps, from this Trader Vic's.
Trader Vic was stuck with a ton of useless Havana labeled menus, so signed each one with a note calling Fidel a "stinker" and sold them off as collector's items. See below...
Smorgy's - Geelong
Geelong, Victoria, Australia (Closed)
Created by Eric Schwaiger, Smorgy's was a chain that was started in the mid 1980s, expanded in the 1990s with more elaborate build-outs, and closed in the early 2000s. The food was all-you-can-eat buffet style and the decor featured some animatronics and many had Disney-esque style volcano entrances or waterfalls surrounded by jungle style shrubbery.
This location was more nautical than the other locations.
One of the most remembered attractions at this location was Salty, a talking animatronic seal whose head moved left and right and could talk and sing. When the show wasn’t playing, it was covered by a boat sail tarp, which revealed the seal when it was time for the show. King Neptune, another animatronic, was like a living statue that also woke up for the show. They had a lot of banter back and forth referencing whether AFL football legend Gary Ablett senior was a god and other things people in Geelong liked. During the show, there were lots of effects including rain that went down the windows, thunder and flashing lightning.
Trader Vic's - Fukuoka, Japan
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan (Closed)
This Trader Vic's location opened in 1999, and had closed by 2007. Its signature drink was a Singapore Sling variation, called the "Hakata Sling," named for an area of Fukuoka. Its garnish was one of two special Hakata doll toppers, a figurine associated with the region. After this location closed, the remaining doll toppers went to the Trader Vic's in Tokyo, where you may be able to order a Hakata Sling off-menu and perhaps get a Hakata doll topper as garnish.
Smorgy's - Burwood East
Burwood East, Victoria, Australia (Closed)
Created by Eric Schwaiger, Smorgy's was a chain that was started in the mid 1980s, expanded in the 1990s with more elaborate build-outs, and closed in the early 2000s. The food was all-you-can-eat buffet style and the decor featured some animatronics and many had Disney-esque style volcano entrances or waterfalls surrounded by jungle style shrubbery.
Aku Tiki Inn
Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, United States
Built in 1968.
The Aku Tiki Inn features an imposing moai at the entrance, complete with glowing red eyes. Some nice Witco pieces can be seen in the lobby. Connected to the Aku Tiki Inn is the Traders Restaurant (with the Aku Tiki Bar).
The Hawaiian Inn can be found just down the street.
In 2004, the oceanfront hotel sustained some damage from Hurricane Charley. The signature moai at the front of the hotel was damaged beyond repair. By 2005 the hotel had been repaired, with a new signature moai built with the help of Florida tiki artist Wayne Coombs.
Hula Hula - Lloret de Mar - Spain
Lloret de Mar, Spain
Hula Hula opened in 1973, and is still run by the same family. It is in Lloret de Mar, a coastal resort town in Catalonia. The centerpiece of the space is a large square column, with tiki carvings on each side and rocks and plants around the base, enveloped by a cascading rain effect.
They allow smoking and also have shisha/hookah smoking available.
The back of the room has several murals of topless wahines and serves as a backdrop to entertainment acts, including comedians, musicians, and burlesque performers.
They also rent out the space for private events.
During the summer season a rooftop deck and bar is open, with views of the surrounding area.
Won Kow Restaurant
Chicago, Illinois, United States (Closed)
Opened 1927 (or 1928) and closed on February 1st, 2018.
Chinese restaurant with a selection of classic tropical cocktails on the menu.
No real tiki decor to speak of.
Stories have circulated that Chicago mafia boss Al Capone had his own table in the dining room’s northwest corner. Armed goons allegedly watched over him as he dined.
Rock-a-Tiki - Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States (Closed)
Rock-a-Tiki opened in 2002 in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, and was the first modern tiki bar in the city.
The bar stools were carved tikis, and the room was decorated in a mix of painted murals, bamboo and thatch. A large plaster moai looked over the room.
True to its name, the music included a lot of rock in the mix, and an Elvis impersonator was there regularly.
Rock-a-Tiki closed in 2004.
As of 2021, this location is home to Black Hole Bar.
Ciral's House of Tiki
Chicago, Illinois, United States (Closed)
Opened in 1962 and closed in 2000.
This was actually the second location for Ciral's House of Tiki, and the first location was a few blocks north and lasted for about 8 years.
The exterior had a large neon sign flanked by several electric beer signs and had a sort of diner look to the casual observer.
This bar was a big draw for locals and for both University of Chicago students and professors alike.
The interior featured bamboo trim and curtains, hanging plants, pufferfish lamps, and a vintage Budweiser sign with circling Clydesdales.
There was a jukebox filled with 78 rpm albums, especially classic soul and R&B.
The menu featured classic rum-based tiki cocktails and if anyone ever ordered tequila they were met with a lecture by the owner on the dangers of tequila as a poisonous liquor.
Bottled beer was also available.
Their food menu is remembered for its fried fish or chicken and for its baby back ribs.
This bar was featured in the Gene Hackman film, The Package (1989) -- starting at the 50:40 minute mark.
Trader Vic's - at the Palmer House Hilton - Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States (Closed)
Opened March 26th, 1957.
Located in the lower level of the Palmer House Hilton. Was originally called "The Traders." New ownership at the Palmer House ousted Trader Vic's in December 2005 after nearly 50 years in its location.
After a three-year hiatus, Trader Vic's reopened in a new Chicago location in late 2008.
Smorgy's - Burwood
Burwood, Victoria, Australia (Closed)
Created by Eric Schwaiger, Smorgy's was a chain that was started in the mid 1980s, expanded in the 1990s with more elaborate build-outs, and closed in the early 2000s. The food was all-you-can-eat buffet style and the decor featured some animatronics and many had Disney-esque style volcano entrances or waterfalls surrounded by jungle style shrubbery.
Smorgy's - Bundoora
Bundoora, Victoria, Australia (Closed)
Created by Eric Schwaiger, Smorgy's was a chain that was started in the mid 1980s, expanded in the 1990s with more elaborate build-outs, and closed in the early 2000s. The food was all-you-can-eat buffet style and the decor featured some animatronics and many had Disney-esque style volcano entrances or waterfalls surrounded by jungle style shrubbery.
The remains of this Smorgy's location were destroyed in a fire on September 8, 2013.