The Secret’s Out: Where to Find the Best Tiki Bars in LA
- By: Amanda Coscarelli
These hidden Los Angeles tiki bars are serving vintage vibes and a taste of Polynesian paradise.
Few places transport you to the 1960s the way a Tiki bar does. I won’t lie, I’m a little obsessed with the midcentury aesthetic. But these staples are more than just campy beach-themed bars with colorful lanterns and piña coladas. They represent LA’s quirky heritage, and offer a little taste of the Polynesian culture that inspired them. Each one has something different to enjoy and if walls could talk, I’d love to listen to the stories etched into the bamboo and palm thatch. Whether you’re a tourist exploring the city or a local looking for your next favorite bar, these are the hidden tiki joints you don’t want to miss.
The Lucky Tiki- West Hollywood, Highland Park
Dressed in midcentury charm and set inside Jim Morrison’s former recording studio, this West Hollywood speakeasy sits above LA’s iconic hot dog joint Tail O’ the Pup and is a true time capsule for LA’s cultural history. On the eastside, their newest location is nestled right next to another classic, LA’s oldest bowling alley, Highland Park Bowl. Dare to dine with the dead and order “The Ghost of Jim Morrison” Coppali rum paired with the Lucky Tiki’s blackberry shrub & a burning rosemary or drink like a sailor with “The Captain’s Inner Circle,” their top secret cocktail (ask your waiter for a hint).
Wed-Sat: 5PM-12AM
Sun: 3PM-9PM
8512 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
5621 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042
Tiki Ti- Silverlake
This one’s the real deal. In fact, the Lucky Tiki was inspired by places like Tiki Ti. Tucked between Silverlake and Hollywood, this little hut has been around since 1961, during the golden age of Tiki. The founder, Ray Buhen, was one of the original bartenders at Don the Beachcomber, the bar widely accepted as the birthplace of the Tiki phenomenon. Buhen even crafted many of the drinks at Tiki Ti based on the Beachcomber recipes. Make sure to get there early— I recommend 30 minutes before opening— to secure a seat, and don’t forget to order the founder’s special, “Ray’s Mistake” passion, lime, gin, dark Jamaican rum float, and Tiki Ti’s secret flavoring which has a hint of vanilla.
Wed-Sat: 6PM – 12AM
4427 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90027
Tonga Hut- North Hollywood, Palm Springs
This Tiki dive bar is the oldest in LA. If you’re looking for campy vintage decor, this one’s your place– Think Witco map and Malm fireplace. It only makes sense considering that they have a location in Palm Springs, the midcentury epicenter of the world. The North Hollywood location, founded in 1958, is full of character, the kind that takes decades to accrue. It’s cozy and eclectic, and the drinks match the vibe. Expect classics with a tropical twist, like the “Nutty Chi Chi” a creamy spin on a piña colada with vodka and macadamia nut and the “Hibiscus Sunrise” El Jimador tequila, agave, lemon and orange juices with house-made hibiscus syrup.
Mon-Thurs: 4PM-1AM
Fri: 4PM-2AM
Sat: 2PM-2AM
Sun: 2PM-1AM
12808 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, California 91606
Pacific Seas-DTLA
In the heart of downtown LA, this speakeasy is hidden on the top floor of Clifton’s Republic. Ah Clifton’s, the history at this place goes on. Although the iconic cafeteria officially closed its doors in 2018, the building was rebranded to house Clifton’s Republic, a luxury bar and lounge featuring themed spaces like The Pacific Seas. Enter the speakeasy through a mirrored door and you’re instantly transported back in time. It’s 1960, Polynesian dancers are swaying in grass skirts, and all the while there’s a boat in the middle of the room with a DJ inside, bumping mellow EDM. It’s the perfect concoction of old LA and modern LA nightlife, and a great spot to host your next private event while regular operations are temporarily on hold. Order familiar favorites or spice things up with a “Narcoma Paloma” mezcal and tequila blend in a Collins-style cocktail and Aperol spiked with jalapeño.
Thurs-Sat: 7PM-2AM
648 South Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90014
Related | The 6 Best Jazz Nights in Los Angeles
Read More
