Bootlegger Tiki

Comments about Bootlegger Tiki

Menehune

Menehune is a semi-regular at Bootlegger Tiki.

May 23, 2019, 10:28 PM

My kinda place. Barely enough light to read the menu but dark enough that you go home with that someone special only to wake up and notice they weren't that special. Perfect. And while not an extensive drink menu, the menu changes quarterly and they make a damn good drink. These guys really love making a great tiki drink and I appreciate that. Always a stop when We are in Palm Springs.

Tinafibi

Tinafibi has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

March 31, 2019, 10:18 AM

Very small place , it was ok , bartender was no personality the mai tai wasn’t very good ! Been there !! No need to go back ! Also no food served

Tinafibi

Tinafibi has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

March 31, 2019, 10:18 AM

Very small place , it was ok , bartender was no personality the mai tai wasn’t very good ! Been there !! No need to go back ! Also no food served

WanderingWill

WanderingWill has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

December 31, 2018, 7:13 PM

What a shame that this bar occupies such hallowed ground. The staff lacks knowledge of the drink menu, the glassware was basic, the outside decor on the patio was absent, it took 2 hours to get two drink and leave. Went back the next day and they wouldn’t let in my elderly mother in because she didn’t have her ID. Tiki in name only. I will revisit the Tonga Hut or The Reef before I come here again. Too bad.

Vonrad

December 9, 2018, 3:33 PM

Probably one of the worst Tiki Bars I have ever been to. OK few velvets, and some bamboo does not make a Tiki Bar. The mugs were like 75 bucks, the music was horrible, you don't play hip hop or rap in a Tiki Bar.

Lady Kai

Lady Kai has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

November 2, 2018, 8:27 PM

First suggestion is get there early to sit at the bar! The best decor is at the bar. It was cool and dark, a nice contrast to the sun and heat outside. Carlos and Pablo (I think that’s right) were extremely personable. Good conversation and really knowledgeable about rums and music as well.
The drinks were pretty good. It’s all hit or miss with each persons taste buds... I go for the ones with the booze I like - like absinthe, so I generally enjoy them.
Maybe we will see Carlos at a tiki bartending event???
Have fun if you go 🤙

Must Love Spam

Must Love Spam has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

October 24, 2018, 10:14 PM

While not all of the drinks I tried were total hits, there is a real passion for tiki drinks here. They aren't happy to just go par for the course, but really put their own spin on the classic ingredients while maintaining a real tiki feel. Went twice this visit and will definitely go again next time I'm in down.

GrandMarquis

GrandMarquis has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

September 10, 2018, 9:35 PM

I visited twice in 2 years and it still a cool place !

em_elbc

em_elbc has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

September 2, 2018, 5:28 PM

Love this bar! We go every time we are in Palm Springs.
Just the way I like tiki bars, dark and small with top shelf drinks! Can't wait to go back again.

Perfessor

Perfessor has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

September 1, 2018, 12:21 AM

Small space with enough bamboo for a true tiki tilt, but oh, the drinks are where they shine. Lots of rums and exotic liqueurs, some of which I have never before enjoyed in a tiki concoction. Enthusiastic, energetic bar staff creating well-balanced original riffs worthy of the tiki canon. I had three complex cocktails equally as delicious as many of the classics I have enjoyed over the years. Definitely worth a visit.

RaindogDK

RaindogDK is a semi-regular at Bootlegger Tiki.

June 12, 2018, 7:02 AM

This place has the best original tiki drinks of anywhere I've been. Chad has taken in often times fresh non-tiki bartenders and somehow given them enough guidance and freedom to create some really unique drinks. Sit at the bar for the best experience. Great staff.

Stephanie

Stephanie has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

April 7, 2018, 11:14 PM

I heard great things about Bootlegger when I was planning my tiki trip to Palm Springs, so I was quite excited to visit. The bar is small but well decorated. The service was prompt, and the menu seemed well thought out. However, I didn’t really enjoy the two drinks I had (the Coco Loco and the Seven Hell’s). I scoured the menu for drinks that appealed to me and asked the bartender about some options but wasn’t really struck by anything that sounded amazing. The vibe in this place wasn’t very tiki, despite the decor and music. The patrons were very loud and the bartenders didn’t really seem to have the passion about their job or their drinks that I’ve come to expect from a good tiki bar. Overall I just didn’t really click with Bootlegger, but I can see why others enjoy it!

Johnny Junior

Johnny Junior has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

December 4, 2017, 3:06 PM

CORRECTION! My girlfriend just reminded me that we had salt and vinegar almonds, not spicy peanuts. I guess those drinks must’ve been stronger than I thought!

Johnny Junior

Johnny Junior has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

December 3, 2017, 5:59 PM

Spent the weekend in Palm Springs. First time visiting. Stopped at Bootlegger Tiki on a Saturday night with my girlfriend and fellow Tiki-lover on a friend’s recommendation. Had a grand time. Friendly and efficient bartenders, kind neighbors at the bar, Santo and Johnny playing on the speakers, some great decor including Blowfish lamps above the tables and banana leaf wallpaper in the bathroom. The drinks were good too and very well presented. I particularly liked Adders Venom which was a riff on a Hurricane. No hot food, just snacks. We had some pretzel sticks and spicy peanuts. It is small on the inside but luckily we snagged the last two stools. A big and boisterous bachelorette party came in and monopolized the bar for a while but the staff didn’t miss a beat. Bought my bartender a shot of Plantation Pineapple Rum on the way out. I would return to Bootlegger Tiki. Maybe even tonight!

TikiFunk

TikiFunk has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

October 25, 2017, 4:00 PM

Visited during the Circa Caliente / Modernism Preview weekend. We stopped in after the SHAG grand Re-Opening Gala ... being just a short walk up the street.
(1) it's small... really small.
(2) it's got great drinks (#1 Mai Tai I've ever had)
(3) it's got great music (pure exotica all the time)
(4) it's got great decoration. Not uber old-school Tiki, but laid back cool tiki with some fish lights and black velvet painting.
Overall: A to A+

tikiwagon

tikiwagon has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

October 24, 2017, 5:18 PM

Went last night with 2 friends who had never been to a tiki bar before but were shown straight out the bar to the porch area, were told we could sit in the bar later but that never happened, service was poor but the drinks were okay, not a great experience to pay almost Trader Vic's prices for a cocktail just to left outside considering we we're in Vic's Emeryville only a few days before and we're treated properly

TheMeekTiki

TheMeekTiki has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

April 11, 2017, 9:35 PM

Visited here for the first time during PS vacation. Went in on a Monday night so it was pretty quiet but met up with some other tiki friends which was pretty great. Drinks were absolutely a 10. I had three different ones and tried several others and they were all exceptional. Complex and flavorful. Great selection of classics and originals too.

arcadiandj

arcadiandj has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

December 9, 2016, 10:35 PM

Very special. The dark retro ambiance was amazing and I had the best zombie ever-made with Cruzan 151!? One of our favorites and we will DEFEINATELY be back.

PackmanWSU01

PackmanWSU01 has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

July 30, 2016, 10:27 PM

Tiny place but well decorated. Rotating original drink menu is fabulous. No signature mugs to collect though.

Robin

Robin has visited Bootlegger Tiki.

December 23, 2015, 11:57 AM

Small but nice tiki bar in the back of a coffee bar. Great drinks, with fresh fruit. Music was a weird selection of new wave and eighties.


Tiki mugs and carved tikis outside came from the next door vintage store Dazzles (1035 N Palm Canyon Dr), as told by the shop owner. (Great store, by the way!)

Regulars and Visitors of Bootlegger Tiki

Regulars

People who go to Bootlegger Tiki at least a few times a month.

• mllekat
• JeffCleveland
  Late nights

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Bootlegger Tiki at least a few times a year.

• 
  Tiki Kim
• 
  Aquatic Safarinaut
• 
  Honaunau
• 
  AJM
• 
  Ambassador Jim
• 
  Tobin
• 
  junkgirl
• 
  ModernTikiLounge
• 
  gellyfish
• 
  JentikiPDX
• 
  Tiki Slinger
• 
  RaindogDK
• 
  TikiJedi
• 
  tangle13
• 
  LazerMcBlazer
• 
  TikiMutt
• 
  GooliZAP
• 
  Demerara24
• 
  RUMAWAYWITHME
• 
  AnnDiego
• 
  TraderSampson
• 
  rumamok
• 
  Coreyo
• 
  Menehune

Visitors

People who have been to Bootlegger Tiki at least once.

• 
  Humuhumu
• 
  Quince at Dannys
• 
  radiotiki
• 
  wayne-tiki-tiki
• 
  monkeyskull
• 
  Rugby Matt
• 
  Lokelani
• 
  arriano
• 
  NautiTiki
• 
  tikitabby
• 
  Bora Boris
• 
  sputnikmoss
• 
  Kila
• 
  Tiki Greg
• 
  californialife
• 
  geedavee
• 
  Tiki Twin
• 
  Dustycajun
• 
  phynix
• 
  chrisdslap
• 
  xtsnpatx
• 
  KeithH
• 
  Capt. R.H. Falernum
• 
  Acronotus
• 
  PackmanWSU01
• 
  slickster
• 
  GrandMarquis
• 
  Kuku
• 
  tikiwagon
• 
  sherlock2713
• 
  always on the beach
• 
  Zombie Mike
• 
  Tiki Finky
• 
  Bella
• 
  The Porkchop Express
• 
  BuzDeadwax
• 
  KavikaTiki
• 
  ridric
• 
  kilaueakyd
• 
  Daggtiki
• 
  hotelcharlie
• 
  keepitwildtv
• 
  Murph360
• 
  ErichTroudt
• 
  Astro Zombie
• 
  Fritiof
• 
  Whaia-Muri
• 
  A'Pau-ling
• 
  Noland Nocount
• 
  enchantedtikilounge
• 
  Must Love Spam
• 
  John T.
• 
  jackalacka
• 
  atomicginger
• 
  TikiKeith
• 
  coral
• 
  kqf
• 
  DJMaxPayola
• 
  Robin
• 
  Tikichef
• 
  LetThereBeRums
• 
  Lindsaylou13
• 
  kevincrothers
• 
  TikiBri
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  nkash001
• 
  BeauStanton
• 
  Tarana-Pete
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  Tiki_Toad
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  neverclever
• 
  Adam Bomb
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  soldiersdisease
• 
  maxelman
• 
  Doctor Ti
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  Monster A GoGo
• 
  Dr. McTiki
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  GR8Y
• 
  Martiki71
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  Baggy_Billy
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  Badgersan
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  tikiwithray
• 
  Ohhoe
• 
  erinsauce
• 
  epistate
• 
  Mishi-au-go-go
• 
  TikiPalace
• 
  davidphantomatic
• 
  erichauser
• 
  TheMeekTiki
• 
  tikinooch
• 
  BrianRex
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  PKJC
• 
  rachel
• 
  Lonesome Echo
• 
  Mel
• 
  sawalker
• 
  abacab
• 
  arcadiandj
• 
  Cosmic Coconut
• 
  TikiTelly
• 
  NeilSmith
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  AmandaAnne
• 
  Katstiki
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  noahvasseur
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  Robertico
• 
  Trader Sean
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  elliepritts
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  amy
• 
  erikdaniells
• 
  McTiki
• 
  Tiki Doug
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  dominodamsel
• 
  Guitiki
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  Disarmed
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  Robot Tiki
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  AtomicLady
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  DaveValdez
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  CosmoReverb
• 
  Pepe le Tiki
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  Ke Ahi Kirk
• 
  tongueincheeky
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  tiki_anna
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  littlemissfelina
• 
  Atomic Tiki Punk
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  rigormorty
• 
  tiki-kath
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  Raider273
• 
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  Misterkingdom
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  atomic_kitteh
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  the sunken lounge singer
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  Vanillagreaze
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  Lily Starck White
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  Josh Yonutas
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  Tikiman503
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  RumDrunkPirate
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  CindiLuHui
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  bardot
• 
  Luau Lili
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  Laguna
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  MrLzrd
• 
  Krakatoa Kate
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  Raqi
• 
  Bungalow Robb
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  Kommodore_k
• 
  galaboutmidtown
• 
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  Deadbeat Pete
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  LouiseLilikoi
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  terrylee
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  kemika_popoki
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  SoCalTikiGal
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  Lkotsonas
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  Leaseapenny
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  Uapu'uwai
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  StrangeLibations
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  roddog
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  dmessent
• 
  Sean Fahey
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  TikiCatKC
• 
  FreakyDeakyJTiki72
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  Tipsy Foxxe
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  go_jake
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  Tiki Grabowski
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  Jess
• 
  TikiTaos
• 
  q_tiki
• 
  The Vacationeer
• 
  joshuamathias
• 
  TikiDel
• 
  jessploitation
• 
  stacyvigil
• 
  TraderBrandon
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  Perfessor
• 
  SarntLee
• 
  Lacers
• 
  Tinafibi
• 
  Anarion
• 
  JDTikiPaddler
• 
  MattB
• 
  TraderCams
• 
  Tiki Warrior
• 
  Ogopogotiki
• 
  Monkeydead13
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  savagelucas
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  Fridalupe
• 
  Kai-TiKi
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  unefemmejulie
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  molluscus
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  LizzieVonHeintz
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  monimoni
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  Lattiedah
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  auntangi
• 
  TikiBean
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  Tiki_Palms
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  thejetpilot
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  ottawatiki
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  TikiFunk
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  margipan
• 
  BoschTiki
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  Trader Mimo
• 
  TikiBert
• 
  spiltbeerpirate
• 
  Hotdogsandpizza
• 
  denisesaysaloha
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  Johnny Junior
• 
  so_claire
• 
  Tiki Mattie
• 
  Hreeves77
• 
  amy_sumida
• 
  Lady Kai
• 
  Ashleymunster
• 
  Kiwi Steve
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  drunk_drakula
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  dustinukulele
• 
  ladyandguy
• 
  krankenator
• 
  Blurry Oasis
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  Buster McLuster
• 
  TikiDiki
• 
  Pootiki
• 
  azureedwards
• 
  Stephanie
• 
  khaos2012
• 
  JV
• 
  pukapetty
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  TikAndDestroy
• 
  BarnztheTiki
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  AshbytheC
• 
  HeidiHo
• 
  Rulebook
• 
  jonolives
• 
  ElCapitan
• 
  SAKhiway
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  KonaKev
• 
  KahunaCP
• 
  ElsieBee
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  richpalin
• 
  Cutter
• 
  TikiDre
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  Chris-Tiki
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  Fidel Cashflo
• 
  Malibu Marcie
• 
  Trader_Sam
• 
  Placierbetz
• 
  Mauddeitch
• 
  em_elbc
• 
  Ryan Partridge
• 
  Hobo Tiki
• 
  Tikitown
• 
  tikidonk
• 
  SanDiegoMystic
• 
  caseyjacks
• 
  AtomicTikiSpy
• 
  ChulaCher
• 
  BK Tiki
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  WanderingWill
• 
  TikiJohnny
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  peggy_pineapple
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  Muppetman
• 
  TraderSam
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  Polishthunder
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  msaitta
• 
  Gormanghast1
• 
  Chriggy
• 
  coconutbrah
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  sarahsb57