Tiki Cocktail Lounge

Modesto, California, United States

Opened by Johnny Ramos in April of 1964.

The Tiki Cocktail Lounge was situated essentially in the parking lot for the Tropics Motel (now re-named Tiki Lodge), the Modesto entry in the midcentury Kimes Tropics Motels chain. The Tiki Cocktail Lounge fared a bit better than the barely-operational motel--and while it became more of a beer joint (despite its full bar), it managed to retain some of its tiki charm.

They did a remodel in later years and removed the bamboo and thatched roofed booths inside. Probably to open the space up for dancing.

There was still some bamboo behind the back bar, a sometimes-lit pit fireplace and a small outdoor patio with a smattering of tikis.

The old velvet paintings were removed although there was a framed mural in back that was left.

In recent years, the Tiki Lounge became a LGBTQ focused site, and they stated on their Facebook page that: "We feature an open lifestyle environment where people of all sexualities and genders can feel free to get together, have a few good cocktails and have a great time. Gay, Straight, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgendered all are welcomed at the Tiki!"

The Tiki Lounge was just down the road from Minnie's Restaurant (not walking distance, however).

Closed suddenly without much warning on July 1st, 2025 by owner Tammy Maisetti.