Tiki Bars
Tiki Room - Stockholm
Norrmalm, Stockholm, Sweden
Stefan Kéry opened Tiki Room in Stockholm on January 23, 2002, becoming the first tiki bar in Sweden, at a time when tiki bars didn't tend to open anywhere, much less in the far-flung corners of the globe. The walls are lined with tapa cloth, bamboo, and lauhala mats, and a warm glow is provided by an array of pufferfish lamps and Orchids of Hawaii lights. There are tikis aplenty, including a tiki post standing guard at every booth. The menu has a mix of classic and modern tiki favorites, including bowl drinks served in tiki-flanked volcano bowls.
Lava Lounge - Seattle
Seattle, Washington, United States (Closed)
Opened in the mid 90s.
The Lava Lounge was not truly a tiki bar -- it was mainly a beer joint -- but those who are into such places dug the dim lighting, booths and music. They did have a small cocktail menu, shown below.
The back bar was supported by two carved tiki posts, and there were a few great old tiki mugs among the collection of jetsam & flotsam behind the bar. That was about it.
From the late '70s through the '80s, this space was occupied by a bar called Hawaii West.
Closed January 2022 ahead of a redevelopment of that block of Belltown. Apartments directly in back of the site caught fire in June 2022, and the site remained boarded after that.
The Alibi
Portland, Oregon, United States
Even through the darkest days of tikidom, The Alibi remained popular and busy -- probably due to the frequent karaoke nights. The Alibi is full of beautiful lamps and decor from Oceanic Arts, and has been cared for very well. The drinks for many years were on the weak and sweet side; that changed when new management took over in 2017, and the menu is now solidly-constructed classic tiki drinks and originals.
The Alibi has a long history that predates tiki. It began in the late 1800s as the Chat-n-Nibble, a horse & buggy stop along a dirt road. In later days it became a tavern called Max Alibi. The third owner, Roy Ell, took over the tavern in 1947 and renamed it The Alibi. Ell had travelled to Hawaii, and is responsible for changing the decor to reflect his own Polynesian tastes. The tavern was expanded to include the restaurant in the 1950s. The Witco-inspired rails and 3D hula-girl mural were 1970s additions. In the 1980s, Ell leased The Alibi with the agreement that the decor must stay as is. From 1992 to 2017 The Alibi was run by the White family. In 2017, well-regarded local historic bar managers Marcus Archambeault and Warren Boothby took over with a light restoration and a re-focused bar and food menu, including a flaming pu-pu platter.
Just across the street is The Palms motor hotel. While not strictly tiki, it does have a fantastic neon sign, and is within stumbling distance.
King Yum
Fresh Meadows, New York, United States (Closed)
King Yum was a classic example of the style of Chinese-meets-Polynesian Pop restaurants that have peppered the U.S. Northeast for decades. It was opened in 1953 by the Eng family, and was still run by the Eng family today until its closure in August 2016.
The entrance had a rock wall waterfall, and there were tiki poles and tiki masks throughout the restaurant... painted in unfortunate primary colors. The restaurant had broad A-frame details over the dining room, and bamboo was used heavily. There was an awful lot of white on the walls, though. Lamps were old classics from Orchids of Hawaii. There was a second dining room with more traditional Chinese decoration rather than Polynesian. The exterior of the building had no Polynesian influence, but did have a beautiful green tile roof.
The food was good old American Chinese, and a number of tropical drinks were served, some in tiki mugs or coconuts.
As of 2021, this location is now home to One Banquet Hall, a wedding hall rental location.
China Doll Restaurant
Harvey, Louisiana, United States
Agnes and Chef Ping Tsang opened the China Doll in 1985 and were almost immediately a major West Bank restaurant hit. It's still managed by the Tsang family.
Located in an unassuming strip mall location, this Chinese restaurant that has a few tiki touches, including several outstanding Orchids of Hawaii dodecahedron (12-faced) and beachcomber swag lamps.
They have a small selection of a dozen cocktails and serve some of them in tiki mugs. They also look to have an amazing Pu Pu Platter.
Hukilau Restaurant and Lounge - Key West
Key West, Florida, United States (Closed)
Opened @1960s and closed @ December 2000.
Originally named the Islander Village Restaurant and Tiki Lounge.
Later re-named Paco's Hukilau in its final years.
Background photo and first two photos show Hukilau during the 60s and final photos (circa 2005) show the site after its closure, when much had been removed.
The structure appears a bit ramshackle with lots of additions. Heavy tropical plantings around the exterior hid much of the structure, even in the early years. The center bar was in a round room with heavy beams and poles supporting a very high ceiling.
60s interior shot shows they once had Witco Tiki barstools and tables held up by nautical chain as well as Orchids of Hawaii swag lamps. The bar front side slants inward at the base, which can be matched with the later color photo of the interior after the bar closed.
The site has been re-developed and no signs of the Hukilau exists. In its place are condominiums.
Island Room - at the Tropics Motor Hotel - Seattle
Seattle, Washington, United States (Closed)
The Tropics Motor Hotel was located in Seattle by the Space Needle.
It was built in 1958-1959 and opened in 1959.
It served as the host hotel for the 1962 World's Fair. It was once the only luxury hotel in downtown Seattle.
The masonry, five-story hotel cost approximately $1,750,000 to erect.
The Island Room had a mix of island decor - including Polynesian as well as Caribbean.
The pool area of the hotel also had a lava rock waterfall feature with clamshells and a tile mosaic of Hawaii's Diamond Head.
Closed some time shortly prior to 1991, when the iconic sign was taken down.
It then became a Quality Inn and Suites, and continues under that name today (as of 2024).
The Rusty Pelican - Key Biscayne (Miami)
Key Biscayne, Florida, United States
Opened in 1972 under the ownership of David Tallichet with a Polynesian vibe and cuisine as well as a panoramic patio overlooking the City of Miami.
The overall impression of the place was dark and cozy with a mostly nautical vibe accented with some tiki touches. It featured rough hewn dark wood boards, nautical rope, some small carved tikis throughout, fishing nets, lit glass fish floats, strands of cork floats, shell lamps and pebble lamps, lauhala matting, and some brightly colored Orchids of Hawaii lamps.
The original menu featured favorites like a teriyaki-glazed sirloin steak, Chicken Kona Kai (grilled chicken served in a pineapple with sweet and sour sauce), and Cherries Jubilee (simmered cherries, vanilla ice cream, and Chantilly liquor).
Beyond its views and fare, Rusty Pelican gained even more notoriety after being featured in the 1980 blockbuster Caddyshack, starring Bill Murray and Chevy Chase.
In 1984, however, disaster struck and the restaurant burned to the ground. It was rebuilt and re-opened in 1987 with a large second floor space, but other than the added space, it appears they tried to rebuild along the same theme.
Then in 2011, all the tiki decorative elements went away in a brand new remodel...
The restaurant reopened in December of 2011 after a five-month, $7 million top to bottom renovation. Additions to the massive restaurant included a swanky cocktail bar; floor-to-ceiling bay windows; outdoor tables flanked by fire pits; a glass-enclosed wine corridor, mid-century style furniture, wood paneling and cushioned booths creating a Mad Men vibe.
Today, the venue is associated with weddings and other events that can make use of its floor space and fantastic views.
Although no longer tiki in its decor, they have been known to serve tropical drinks in tiki mugs from time to time as can be seen below...
South Seas - Secaucus
Secaucus, New Jersey, United States (Closed)
Located at Route 3, Service Road East at Plaza Center in Secaucus, New Jersey 07094.
The South Seas was a Chinese & Polynesian fusion restaurant, similar to many others on the East Coast, that owed much of their decor to Orchids of Hawaii -- featuring a plethora of Orchid hanging lamps and a goodly amount of tiki masks both on the interior and exterior. It had a separate bar and a large open dining space lined with bamboo paneled booths lit by different colored puffer fish lamps.
Not much history to be gleaned on this location, but it appears to have been active in the late 60s - early 70s (at least as late as 1974).
Kaia’s Island Kitchen & Tiki Bar
Danville, California, United States
After a temporary closure and remodeling, Danville California's Vine and Spirits reopened in April 2025 as Kaia’s Island Kitchen and Tiki Bar.
From Kaia's website:
"At Kaia’s Island Kitchen & Tiki Bar, everything starts with family, love, and the aloha spirit. Our story began with countless unforgettable trips to Hawaii—lazy beach days, laughter around the table, and the simple joy of sharing great food with the people you love most.
For Randy Negi (A local restaurant Entrepreneur), those island memories meant everything. They were filled with warmth, happiness, and a sense of belonging. He wanted to bring that feeling home — to create a place where every guest feels like part of the family, and every meal feels like a little escape to paradise.
Kaia’s is named after Randy’s granddaughter, Kaia — the heart and inspiration behind this dream. Her joyful energy, curiosity, and love for the islands are woven into every corner of our restaurant. From the food to the atmosphere, everything here reflects what Hawaii means to us: connection, happiness, and living life with aloha.
We believe food is more than just a meal — it’s a way to bring people together. Whether you’re gathering with family, meeting friends, or simply unwinding after a busy day, Kaia’s invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and embrace the island spirit. Our menu celebrates authentic Hawaiian comfort food, island-inspired cocktails, and the freshest ingredients, all served with aloha. We serve everything from savory Loco Moco to vibrant poke bowls, tropical cocktails, and sweet island indulgences.
Sip on our silky-smooth Chi Chi Cocktail, the ultimate creamy, coconut refreshment. Discover why our 44 Mai Tai is the most loved — a bold, balanced island classic, bursting with aloha. And don’t forget to save room for Hula Pie, the ultimate Hawaiian dessert — macadamia nut ice cream stacked on a chocolate cookie crust with whipped cream, toasted mac nuts, and chocolate drizzle.
At Kaia’s, every bite and every sip carries you to the heart of Hawaii — where aloha lives, the breeze whispers, and everything’s made with love."
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Kaia's offers a food-first, tiki bar second experience.
The entire location is tastefully decorated in island-inspired decor, with all of the typical design elements: bamboo, tiki statues, thatching, tropical prints, etc.
The food menu features Hawaiian and Hawaii-inspired fare. The drink menu offers beer, wine, traditional tiki bar drinks (mai tai, painkiller, zombie), as well as their own custom tiki drinks (Three Hour Tour and Ohanapod Mai Tai).
For swag, they offer a number of shirts, baseball caps, branded glassware, and multiple tiki mugs.
Mynah Bar
München, Germany (Closed)
Open from @2018-2019 and owned by Lukas Motejzik and Moritz Meyn.
This was a tiki bar serving cocktails and asian-fusion food.
The bar featured murals by Munich artist Matthias Mross.
All drinks, like the Yogo Colada, were original creations by Lukas Motejzik and his team, who is no stranger to Munich's bar scene.
The small food menu featured several highlights. The classic choice was the Hawaiian toast, but there was also a poke bowl, pastrami sandwich, and fried "Bounty ice cream".
Waikiki Burger - Potsdam
Potsdam, Germany
Opened April 4th, 2012.
Located in Potsdam, Germany. Americans, especially Californians, might find it similar to the Islands Hamburger Restaurant chain.
In addition to burgers and other fast food offerings with a Hawaiian twist, they offer Hawaiian beers and cocktails at their bar.
On September 16th, 2017 they had their 5th anniversary party with a Hula dance show and live Hawaiian music.
The owner changed in 2023. The tropical atrium was closed by the new owner and all wall paintings were removed.