Comments on Critiki

skyrule on Burt's Tiki Lounge, Salt Lake City

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:26:19 PST

There is nothing tiki at all about this place, save for the name and the tropical-seeming sign outside the building. It seemed more like a grunge bar than anything, and when I asked about tiki drinks, I got a blank stare from the bartender who grumbled that they have beer and hard liquor. I did ask to see if there was a connection between this bar and the one in New Mexico, and it turns out that the same guy opened both, but I believe he no longer has a hand in this particular Burt's. Honestly, I'm not sure why the word "tiki" is in the name of this place - it's about as far from tiki as you can get.

Ginger on The Rendez'vous, Kenosha

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:51:33 PST

Jan 3rd, 2009 there were a couple of birthday's celebrated at the Rendez'vous Tiki Bar a 3 piece band Mystify was playing and there was standing room only. Another fun night for all!

Ginger on The Rendez'vous, Kenosha

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:48:08 PST

Dec 13th, 2008 at the Rendez'vous Tiki Bar, Roger and the Wrayband (an instrumental surf band) played that night and it was alot of fun for all. What a fun night it was for all!

Ginger on The Rendez'vous, Kenosha

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:42:47 PST

December 2008 Rendez'vous Tiki Bar is back to it's original romantic lounge atmosphere. Even with that romantic atmosphere, it's a relaxing non-smoking place to go to just hang with friends. The drink menu has recently been updated, adding about 15 new drinks. And from time to time there is a variety of really good live entertainment.

TanukiTom on Tiki Tiki, Yokohama

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:18:15 PST

They renovated Tiki Tiki Yokohama about a year? ago and the Tiki factor is even higher and better than before. It looks classier as well, although no one can even get close to the ultimate in tiki bar/restaurant in Japan which is the Trader Vic's in the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo.

The walls in the back are made to look like you are looking out from a hut to the beach and the lighting slowly cycles from morning to evening.

The food is better than before, but also not nearly as good at Tokyo Trader Vics.

Here's a video clip of the hula dancers in action. It was taken on my cell phone so the quality isn't great. They have three short shows each evening of hula dancers.

Hula dancers at Tiki Tiki Yokohama

I'll post more photos from there later.

nuKKe on Royal Hawaiian, Laguna Beach

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:35:15 PST

Scores Category should be updated, the Royal Hawaiian is open, the exterior is still lovely, the bar sucks (but they've got a new Squid mug!), some tikis remained in the interior.

Alexa on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 11:26:22 PST

A weird mix between a polynesian and a chinese-american restaurant! Some parts of the decoration seemed out of the right place, like the giant chinese dragon and the Christmas «outfit» with icicle lights and pine tree: an illuminated palm tree might have been more kitschy and appropriate!The food is also «chinese» (nothing polynesian) and the single choice is a buffet. But the vanilla ice cream is the best I ever ate, and the coconut pie and mai thai were great.The chicken had a very plain taste and a «dry» texture,chiken wings apart, but the spare ribs were good.It should be better rated as a chinese restaurant, because of its lack of Tikiness !But the service was good, we had a lot of fun and I liked the big turtles in the fountain basin: they were also the most appetizing meat of the buffet!

Fat Guy on Rummy's Polynesian House, Monocacy

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 08:35:47 PST

I never knew this place back when it was Rummy's, but I recently went in the modern incarnation of Baby Dolls after a nearby golf tournament (I was looking for a friend-- honest LOL). It's a shame to imagine this joint was once a thriving tiki bar, because when you walk in now it's a rathole... the floors are unpainted particle board, the bar furniture looks like it was bought off the auction block, and the lighting is so poor you to try to hide all this stuff that you have to stand still for 10 seconds when the door closes behind you coming in so your eyes can adjust enough to see where the bar is. It looks like somebody spent a whopping $800 to remodel the entire bar and did all the work themselves. What a shame.

TiKittie on Cocomo Joe's, Cave Creek

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:06:56 PST

spent the evening with family and friends in cave creek over thanksgiving weekend and had a ball. there was definitely a tiki-ambiance about the place...and yet i expected the beach boys to be there playing. However, the place was packed, the band rocked, the cocktails were tropically strong, which made us hightail it to the dance floor...and we all enjoyed ourselves.

rockinrose on Tonga Hut, North Hollywood

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 13:06:13 PST

This a great little Tiki joint. I have donned it's doorstep on many a festive occasion, particularly when there was a Tiki Art night put on by Atomikitty. And because it's local, I have had many group gatherings - especially on holidays like Thanksgiving and Xmas. I heard the stories about the place before Jeremy took over, but I'm glad I took a chance 'cause now it's one of my faves.

Many happy memories were made there, and many more are sure to come.

Oh and the jukebox could use a LITTLE sprucing up, but DEFINATELY doesn't suck(like someone previously commented).

squintanilla on Pago Pago, Tucson

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 22:43:46 PST

Pago Pago opened in the 1940s, and the locals pronounced the name of the restaurant "Paygo Paygo". The name was changed to Ports O' Call sometime in the '60s, and much of the Pago Pago's decor was retained. In the '70s it became a restaurant called Bali Hai Indonesian & Cantonese Cuisine.

Here's a description of the Ports O' Call by an acquaintance of mine: "If you sat in the cocktail lounge there was a healthy atrium with live parrots and probably turtles. I was talking to my grandmother about it and she said when they bought Pago Pago it had all these mean nasty monkeys in the atrium, which they got rid of right away! The waitresses were sweet and beautiful polynesian girls. The decor was typical polynesian nautical theme with rope wrapped poles, blowfish lights, those giant, colored glass net bobbers hanging in nets etc. There was a giant ship steering wheel that stood 6 feet high at the hostess stand. Oh, and of course you got a plastic lei everytime too."

Scenes for the 1956 film "A Kiss Before Dying" were filmed at the Pago Pago.

My father worked at Pima Printing when they printed the first menus for Pago Pago. He was serving his apprenticeship at the time, so this was in 1946, early 1947. The menus were die-cut in the shape of the 3 "Speak/See/Hear No Evil" monkeys. (Pago Pago had matchbooks with this picture and the words "Our Motto" beneath it) The job turned out to be more trouble than the owner had anticipated so the shop lost money on it. His remark on it was "Well, I guess they made a monkey out of me."

groggy on Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge, Alameda

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:42:52 PST

Absolutely my favorite Tiki bar. They squeeze fresh juice and make their own flavorings. About twenty feet of fine rums on the shelf behind the bar. Lovely, intimate decor. If you go on Friday or the weekend, there is usually a line before opening time!

exquisitecorpse on Kona Kai Bamboo Grill, Philadelphia

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:46:05 PST

this place has been closed for a few years.

bztenorsaxman on Aku Aku, Toledo

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:37:11 PST

The Aku Aku Polynesian Room at the Town House Motel was indeed "the" place to be in the 1960's. Many famous name acts that typically would play the really big venues appeared there due to it's owner, Irv Shapiro's, connection to the mob. Toledo was considered a safe haven for mobsters and they often attended the Aku Aku being seated behind a curtained off section of the dining room so as not to draw attention to themselves while they watched the show. Among the performers were Count Basie who made four appearances from 1966-1970, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra Jr. (not Frank Sr.) who made two appearances 1968-1969, Phyllis Diller, Henny Youngman, Buddy Rich, Harry James, The Glen Miller Orchestra and many others. Technically the place did not close at the end of 1970. The hotel section never made money and was constantly the target of thieves and vandals. It was built for some strange reason in an already declining neighborhood which has only gotten worse with time. Due to it's lack of revenue the entire complex went into receivership around 1972. From 1971 through 1972 the Aku Aku was still open but no longer featured name entertainers as it came under new management. It closed in 1973 and was reopened as a trucker's hotel until it's final closure in 1984. It was demolished in 1989. I found someone who is a friend of one of Irv Shapiro's sons and had her ask if he had any photos of the place. Not even Irv's own son has any memorabilia of the place. A Rally's drive thru restaurant now sits on the site.

metikiman1705 on Forbidden Island Tiki Lounge, Alameda

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:29:13 PST

How can there possibly be no comments about this gem. Since October 08 I have had the honor of having been to F.I four times. Martin is great as are the whole staff. I recntly dragged my oldest son, (on leave from the Navy), in for a drink. He was totally impressed. Nothing impresses him. No matter where you are now. Get to F.I.

Veeweeboy on The Polynesian, Ocean Shores

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:18:35 PST

I'm in Ocean Shores a lot .I didn't know that the Poly was related to tikiness..I will have to do a little investigating................

Veeweeboy on Archie McPhee's, Seattle

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:15:59 PST

It's a crazy place. If you love nostalgia, and kitsch...Why...You will love this place!!! it's a hipster's paradise!

Veeweeboy on Leilani Lanes, Seattle

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 23:13:47 PST

All gone.

marinermc on Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:22:00 PST

Does anyone know who actually designed the building and the surrounding junglescape?

Jackson Kuhl on Shipwreck Tavern, Bayville

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:44:55 PST

The Shipwreck Tavern has two tiki bars: one outside the restaurant entrance and the other on the roof of the Tavern building, accessible via an exterior stairway. The Tavern interior is maritime themed, with models of tall ships, figureheads, a large fish aquarium, and so forth; all of the tiki is outside and thus presumably seasonal. Both tiki bars feature thatched huts, tiki posts linked by net fencing, and bamboo landscape edging. Children under 13 aren't allowed in the rooftop area, perhaps because the staff worries about them toppling over the net fencing to the pavement below.

The food is American with nothing exotic beyond the merest nod to Asia (e.g., eggroll appetizers). They do offer a wide selection of beers both draught and bottled, though the afternoon I went the bar seemed on the edge of implosion: the taps were broken and the place was under assault from a swarm of yellowjackets, so much so that my sister-in-law twice ordered pina coladas and twice received them with exoskeletal garnishes. Disgusting, certainly, but I would like to think the Tavern was having an isolated bad day.

There are two things to recommend the Tavern's tiki bars: the adjacent Bayville Adventure Park (also O&Oed by the Jekyll & Hyde Entertainment Group) and the public beach directly to the north. You could do worse than baking on the shore of Long Island Sound before flip-flopping across the street to sip Zombies under the thatch.

DoktorTiki on Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:30:37 PST

This is one of the greatest Tikis left in the country. The authentic design and decor, but even more fabulous drinks, great food, two bars, and a dinner show. This is why people in the 40's, 50's and 60's were so high on the tiki experience. This is the place you hold up to compare all the rest too. Recently saved from the wrecking ball, experience it as often as you can!

DoktorTiki on Bali Hai Restaurant, San Diego

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:27:22 PST

So sad...killer location and history; nice classic decor but the drinks and food have fallen so far from what they used to be. The most undrinkable Mai Tai! The other drinks were also more about lots of liquor and little about flavor. The food selection was good but of ten guests, none had anything they would rave about. They should send the bartenders and cooks to the Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale to rediscover what great drinks and food are like. You should come here as a tribute to one of the oldest Tiki's in America but be prepared to enjoy the nostalgia more than the present.

DoktorTiki on Mister Tiki's Mai Tai Lounge, San Diego

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:21:11 PST

Not open for lunch so you have to wait till 5. The atmosphere is Tiki modern, wish other places could see how to do it right. Food is good and they make the best classic Mai Tai yet. They also have a fruit juice version for tourists but they know how to make great drinks. Music is so-so, apparently the manager does not like music, but the bar and wait staff are great and like being there. Nice mix of regulars and tourists. parking can be a pain, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, double when there is a baseball game downtown. Don't miss it if you are in the area.

DoktorTiki on Waitiki, Orlando

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:14:43 PST

The decor is nice, it looks like it should be Tiki, but it ain't. Music playing was country western, the menu is eclectic bar food, waitress recommended the cheese steak (so-so), and the drinks were fruit juice sweet. Skip it and head over to Disney's Polynesian.

Humuhumu on The Luau, Beverly Hills

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:18:18 PST

Hi marinermc - This is the 1950s restaurant run by Steve Crane, it was on Rodeo Drive. It was a legendary part of the uprising of upscale Polynesian Pop restaurants in the middle of the last century, along with Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic's. It's been gone for a long, long time now.

There is a new restaurant being opened soon in Beverly Hills, also called "Luau" but with no connection to this historic restaurant. Early reports are that it's not going to have much in the way of flotsam-and-jetsam bedecked Polynesian Pop in the way Critiki users love. Instead, it's going to be more sleek, modern and Asian-inspired. And expensive. You can learn more about the new "Luau" in this thread on Tiki Central.

marinermc on The Luau, Beverly Hills

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:33:15 PST

What's the address of this location (former if it is no longer in existence)

Bamboo Ben on Hawaiian Bill's, Palm Springs

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 09:28:16 PST

Closed for a couple of months now.......

DAKOTA on Kelbo's, Los Angeles

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:52:56 PST

I think I've heard enough of the cheesy comments about Kelbo's. When I was still in high school we use to go to Kelbo's on Pico. I would always treat all my friends to this exciting Hawaiiana paradise. We would ooh and aah at all the cool items incased in resin. My father collected nautical items for our dive shop, but this place put it to shame. It had style and inventiveness. My best memory of the place was the delicious ribs and their fabulous flaming fun bowl. I think I remember going back one day and being heartbroken at the strip bar that took it over. DAKOTA

HipHiPaHulA! on The Reef, Long Beach

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:47:31 PST

Foul play? anyone know?

tikiauction on Hawaii Kai, New York

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 17:51:54 PST

Been reading the Hawaii Kai Cookbook by Roana & Gene Schindler for years now, and always wondered what a sight it must have been. Shame that it closed in '89.

Ukulelebaby's pictures were awesome. Anyone been to the Hawaii Kai was it was up and running?

KonaDave on Kona Inn, Kona

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:22:28 PST

The Kona Inn is located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on the Big Island. The hotel has been closed for over 20 years. The hotels restaurant of the same name is still open and a great place to sit and watch the sunset. The shopping area of the hotel is also open. The hotel rooms are used for storage and offices. The hotel was a celebrity hide-a-way in the 1940's and 50's.

tikiphantom on Hawaiian Room, Bellflower

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:00:28 PST

The place is great. Its the bar that time forgot. Its got a great look. Not too many like it.

fineapple on The Beachcomber, Malibu

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:49:55 PST

I had no idea about this place! I'm going to have to go ASAP and check it out. Thanks Critiki!

fineapple on The Aku Aku Motel, Woodland Hills

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:48:43 PST

I had no idea! I lived down the street from this place for years in the 90's.

fineapple on Trader Vic's, Beverly Hills

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:39:41 PST

I miss this Trader Vic's soooooooo much! I have had a few wonderful birthdays there over the last 10 years, and I've celebrated New Years there a few times.. it was a great place. They had excellent food.. I miss the Beef Cho-Cho something awful!

fineapple on Sam's Seafood, Huntington Beach

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 07:29:25 PST

This place is open and thriving now.. it's called KONA (http://www.konahb.com) and it's a GREAT place for the best & cheapest Happy Hour on Earth!

Humuhumu on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:46:26 PST

Fantastic! Thanks for the help, guys. I'm long overdue to do a proper write-up on Jardin Tiki, I've got it near the top of my Critiki to-do list.

Humuhumu on Restaurant Tiki, Montreal

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:33:57 PST

Yeah, my understanding was that it was just named tiki, and that was all. Not a loss on the tiki front, but man! What a shame to lose that sign! The hot dog always made me giggle.

Thanks for the update, I've updated the record.

Speedy Gonzales on Restaurant Tiki, Montreal

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:33:10 PST

This place doesnt exist anymore. And im not sure it was really tiki at all...

Speedy Gonzales on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 20:06:23 PST

Actually it was the staff from Jardin Tiki who told me this

esfulkerson on Club Kona, El Cerrito

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:17:36 PST

One more item, I am desperately looking for a photo of the OUTSIDE of the Club Kona, if nay one has such a thing please let me know,
Thanx,
Steve

esfulkerson on Club Kona, El Cerrito

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:15:37 PST

The grand reopening of the new Club Kona was April 20th 1938.
And Yes, I will be happy to share some more items here.
Steve

esfulkerson on Club Kona, El Cerrito

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:12:50 PST

The Molino's opened the original Club Kona open in 1933/34 at 316 San Pablo Ave. After a fire in Feb. of 1938 a new club was built at the final location of 303 San Pablo ave. Some time around 1954 the numbering system for San Pablo Ave, was changed and the address became 9901 San Pablo Ave. This is directly across from the west entrance to the El Cerrito Plaza shopping center. The cross street was Carlson. After the Club closed (in about 1960) there was a McFarlands Ice Cream/candy store. A Payless Shoe Source now occupies the site.

The Molino family owned the Club till about 1959 when Phil went off to found his own place (Phil's Hut in Orinda/Layfatte).

virani on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:32:59 PST

of course. They even transfered the logo from the Kon Tiki.

Humuhumu on Club Kona, El Cerrito

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:46:49 PST

Thanks so much for the information, Steve! I've updated the record in Critiki. You have some amazing items in your Flickr collection, it would be wonderful if you could add some of them to Critiki (thank you for that lovely photo folder you've already added).

Do you happen to know what years Club Kona opened and closed? Did the Molinos own it the whole time? Also, I've had trouble pinpointing exactly where Club Kona was... do you know the cross-street?

esfulkerson on Club Kona, El Cerrito

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:58:46 PST

The Club Kona was LEASED to Lloyd Johnson for One Year Feb 1948 to Feb 1949 while the MOLINOS's (not Malino) were "On Vacation". Actually Henry and Phil where "On Probation" because of a gambling charge. In 1949 the Molino's reassumed control.

I am the Grandson of Henry and Dolly. I have a collection of images dealing with the Club Kona on my Flickr site:
http://flickr.com/photos/esfulkerson/sets/72157603971729877/
There you will find Pictures of Henry, Dolly and Phil, copies of two Menus (One from the late 1940's and one from the late 30's), photos from inside the Club, matchbooks, and pictures or the Kona's 1947 Championship Softball team (with a very young Billy Martin).

I am always interested in ANY Club Kona items to buy or trade.
Steve

Humuhumu on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:09:41 PST

That sure would make sense... do you remember where you heard that?

Speedy Gonzales on Jardin Tiki, Montreal

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:24:04 PST

Apparently, some of the decor was transferred from the Montreal Kon Tiki after it closed.

panamaspike on Burt's Tiki Lounge, Albuquerque

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:11:49 PST

So... this place is ok. I was a bit taken off guard when I walked in and they were playing "Country Music." Not that I mind... just a bit confused (then it is Albuquerque NM!).

Yes the place is very Kitschy and more surf-like then tiki-esque. And not many tikis at all. It is so confusing that a patron at the bar sitting next to me actually asked if they poured Mai-Tai's. Doh! I almost thought it was a gay bar... All guys huddled up in the booths and several butch women huddled up in opposite booths. I was a bit early and it straightened out before I left.

The waitress around the corner at "the Library bar and grill" said that Tuesdays were the best but that it was kind of "Hippy." When I pressed her on "hippy" she said they were a "young hippy crowd." My only thought is 'ouch' and that hippies suck. I can say that cause I once was one... in the early 70's (guess I just dated myself!).

Bottom line: Kitschy but fun with CHEAP BEER!