Was flying from New Orleans to Los Angeles for a friends UCLA graduation, so decided to try and pull off a fun tiki double header. Went to Latitude 29 at 1:30pm then flew to Los Angeles later that same day. Got to Tiki-Ti around 9pm local time. There was a line, but it went pretty fast (~15 mins). Bar was very crowded and not a lot of great places to stand and not be in the way. The bartenders at L29 had told me to get a Tora Tora and a Blood and Sand. Drinks had the fun theatrics but were not noteworthy in terms of taste, just strong and sour. Appreciated all the tiki history, but the people I was with didn't so it was a pretty short visit. I knew I needed to come back earlier next time.

3/8/18

For my second visit I wanted to do it right, so I went right at opening. Got a seat at the bar. Regulars were super friendly and got a kick out of how excited I was to be there. Mike Sr. came over and told me all about the history. Mike Jr. hooked me up with some swizzle sticks and postcards. It was an awesome experience. Drinks are clearly pre-craft cocktail revolution, but were really good - much better than my first visit. Notes: 1) Navy Grog - really classic and bold; 2) Puka Punch - pineapple and honey flavors with sense of mystery; 3) The Last Drop - super strong and awesome!

I definitely recommend going closer to opening for the tiki fan experience.

Four in a row. The Splash-Down’s erstwhile proprietor was at it again. First in line for the Tiki-Ti. I got there about 3:05 on a Wednesday and was there for about 20 minutes or so until a few regulars starting showing up at 3:30pm joined by a few other first timers.

I was rewarded with being first in the door but there were already about 4 ‘friends of the bar’ holding court so I grabbed a seat at the far end of the bar and was joined by a regular next to me. This proved useful as the Wednesday’s opening hours see a Ray’s Mistake on happy hour for $9. If that’s good enough for a regular it was good enough for me! Next up I sampled a ‘Tiki Ti Special’ but by this time I had noticed folks paying with cards. Wait a minute I thought this place was cash only?? I’d actually specifically visited the FX shop to get some US dollars with this place in mind!

So with credit open to me I added a lamp mug, t-shirt and bar mat to my order! The place was absolutely packed and I got chatting to a few other patrons from Australia (Brisbane in this case) as well as a tiki fan from Kansas City (Mo.). I nursed the special for a while and then ordered my final drink where I decided to see their painkiller. It was nice - but seemed totally different to the version I make at home. My favourite was probably the Special but Ray’s Mistake was a super refreshing drink to start with.

By this time I was ready for an explore so I gave up my seats to my compatriots (David was also shipping out) and went for an explore of all the nooks in this petite bar. From a decor perspective I LOVED their lamps. The bar itself was great with all the thatch and the place was filled with all sorts of interesting items.

After leaving I was able to have a good chat with the Tiki Ti’s proprietor Mike while I waited for my Uber (he was having a break outside as well). It was a wonderful initiation into a Tiki institution. I am very glad to have visited and would again highly recommend having this on your itinerary- but who am I kidding. It’s the freakin’ Tiki Ti of course it’s on your itinerary!!

Loved seeing a part of true tiki bar history. Had the famous Ray's Mistake and the Oogah Boogah

I was here for their 55th anniversary mug release. I've been here numerous times over the years but I've never been a regular. I think the first time I went might have been in 2006 after attending an event at Wacko's Soap Plant Gallery nearby. This was back in the smoking days! Their drinks always look so impressive with all the foam on top. I think they use Frothee or some other product. Used to get the Lemon Heart Lemon Heads all the time. Delicious!

A lovely time in one of the all-time great Tiki bars! Such a friendly crowd. Had the Ray's Mistake (a new favorite) and the Bayanihan (also quite delicious). Next time I have to try the Blood and Sand, if only to see that little mechanical bull run across the bar. Toro! Toro! Toro!

The first visit for Monica and I at this landmark tiki establishment