When someone says, "tiki bar," one tends to conjure up images of Hawaiian-themed lounges, complete with simulated beach flotsam and wood-carved faces reminiscent of eerie Easter Island statues. With such clichés ingrained in our minds, it's hard to believe these widely distributed bars have anything unique to offer.
That said, here's the breakdown of the nation's ten essential tiki attractions:
10. Voodoo Tiki Bar and Lounge in Charleston, S.C.
The debauchery begins in a shadowy tiki underworld themed bar augmented by an outlandish and churlish menu of beverages not for the faint of heart. Sip on a Horny Monkey, Samoan Fog Cutter or a Suffering Bastard as you enjoy live entertainment and the shamanic atmosphere.
9. Molokai Bar at the Mai-Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Come and immerse yourself in an experience that authentically captures the essence of a Polynesian village. The restaurant offers nearly every incarnation of chicken and pork that you can imagine along with tropical drinks galore and colorful live entertainment. Captivating visitors since 1956, this is a South Florida experience you don't want to miss.
8. Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge in Alameda, Calif.
This haunt is a favorite among Bay Area locals. And for good reason: Forbidden Island happens to be the only tiki bar in America that juices its own lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit juice fresh in-house every day. Order up the signature drink and the tiki mug is yours to keep.
7. Trader Vic's in Atlanta, Ga.
From the refreshing rum cocktails and lip-smacking Polynesian cuisine to the wildly authentic décor, this exotic hotspot will tantalize your every sense. But want to know the real humdinger? Trader Vic's is home to the original and world-famous Mai Tai. How's that for bragging rights.
6. Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar in San Francisco, Calif.
This bar is stirring up a storm. Literally. Rain, thunder and lightning combined with live entertainment, dancing and some of the city's best tropical drinks create a drink-and-dine experience like none other.
5. Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles, Calif.
Nestled right in the heart of Hollywood, this family owned and operated tiki bar offers an impressive array of over 86 different tropical concoctions. With only 12 seats at the bar and standing room only on Friday and Saturday, Tiki-Ti fills up fast. But as the regulars know, this place is well worth the wait.
4. Drift Lounge in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Drift on over to this Polynesian lounge and experience tiki culture with a modern twist. Kick back and vibe out with your umbrella drink of choice and be sure to order up the flaming Pu Pu platter!
3. Hala-Kahiki in River Grove, Ill.
This world-famous retro tiki bar and lounge situated just outside of Chicago has a vibe all its own. Sip on cleverly mixed potions of liquid and fire water such as the Passionate Rummie, Hawaiian Caress and Scratch Me Lani. And be sure to follow the dress code: no plain undershirts here!
2. Tiki's Grill & Bar in Honolulu, Hawaii
Situated on the beautiful and breezy Waikiki Beach, this is a tiki bar in the truest of forms. Live entertainment, mouthwatering eats and 22-ounce drinks such as the Ocean Potion and Waikiki Wipeout guarantee a good time. So good, in fact, that a live webcam captures all the excitement. Revelers beware.
1. Otto's Shrunken Head in New York, N.Y.
This little gem located on the big island of Manhattan mixes traditional tiki décor, rum-based cocktails and live music to create a unique rock-n-roll tiki attraction. Bands play everything from lounge and exotica to rockabilly and punk. But there's no food at Otto's, so carb up before you go.
If you're planning to be in the San Francisco Bay Area, the biggest Tiki Bar Crawl in the world is taking place July 9-12. Grab your friends and enjoy four days of food, drinks and fun.
And for those of you who prefer to kick back in the privacy of your own home, you can enjoy the tiki spirit right from your living room: mix up one of these famous Mai Tai recipes and tune in to Tiki Bar TV.
