| The first tiki bars began to crop up in the years | | | | been recognized by tiki aficionados as providing one |
| before World War II. After the War, the thousands | | | | of the most authentically 1950's tiki experiences. |
| of soldiers returning from the Pacific caused a tiki fad | | | | 4) The Tonga Room in the Fairmont Hotel in San |
| that would last well into the 1960s. The tiki bar is | | | | Francisco, CA. The Tonga Room was built around a |
| known for its tropical atmosphere, instantly | | | | swimming pool. This restaurant is said to have been |
| transporting guests to a sandy beach as they sip on | | | | one of Jimmy Buffet's inspirations. The Tonga Room |
| a fruity cocktail in a bamboo hut. Over the years, | | | | features a musical boat in the middle of the pool, tiki |
| countless tiki bars have come and gone. Here is a | | | | huts to transform the space into an island in the |
| countdown of the top 8 most famous tiki bars of all | | | | South Pacific, and an exotic menu reflecting |
| time: | | | | Polynesian and Asian influences. |
| 8) Kowloon of Saugus, MA is one of the largest | | | | 3) Tiki-Ti, on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, opened |
| tiki-themed restaurants in the country. The entrance | | | | in 1961. The founder, drink mixer Ray Buhen, has |
| is guarded by a 15-foot-tall carved tiki statue. Inside, | | | | been credited with the invention of an impressive list |
| you'll find a room comprised of half a shooner, a | | | | of concoctions. Tiki-Ti is known for its huge array of |
| volcano in motion, and a huge fountain. Each booth is | | | | tiki-themed cocktails. Today, Tiki-Ti remains a |
| built to resemble a tiki hut, and tiki masks adorn the | | | | family-run bar, and patrons will find the son and |
| walls, which are made of bamboo. | | | | grandson of the founder still mixing exotic tiki |
| 7) Hala Kahiki in River Grove, IL. This dimly lit | | | | cocktails. |
| restaurant is known for its huge collection of tiki | | | | 2) Don the Beachcomber comes in a close second on |
| memorabilia. The kitschy gift shop accompanying the | | | | our list. When it opened in 1933 in Los Angeles, it was |
| bar carries everything from tiki statues to shot | | | | the first-ever tiki bar. Known for its woven grass wall |
| glasses. | | | | coverings and bamboo bars, Don the Beachcomber |
| 6) Mai-Kai, a recreated Polynesian Village in Fort | | | | would soon become a popular chain of tiki-themed |
| Lauderdale, FL, opened in 1956 complete with tiki | | | | bars and restaurants. Owner Donn Beach has been |
| torches and a thatched roof. The bar features over | | | | credited as one of the founders of the tiki craze. |
| 50 specialty drinks. In addition to the cocktails, | | | | 1)Trader Vic's is perhaps the most famous tiki bar of |
| patrons enjoy the Islanders Revue, a show | | | | all time. Victor Bergeron, owner of Trader Vic's, |
| performed twice each night by Polynesian dancers. | | | | helped popularize the tiki craze in the 1930s and |
| 5) Forbidden Island in Alameda, CA. One of the most | | | | 1940s. Today, Trader Vic's has locations around the |
| authentic-looking tiki bars still in operation, you will | | | | world. The original location in Atlanta, GA is known |
| immediately get the feeling that you're back in the | | | | for its unique tiki decor and drink specials, such as |
| tiki fad of the '50s or '60s, with this bar's blowfish | | | | concoctions served in cauldrons or tiki mugs. Trader |
| lamps, waterfall, and bamboo bars. Though it is a | | | | Vic is said to have invented the Mai Tai, today one |
| relatively new establishment, Forbidden Island has | | | | of the world's most popular tropical drinks. |