Hala Kahiki

Comments about Hala Kahiki

The Porkchop Express

The Porkchop Express has visited Hala Kahiki.

August 14, 2018, 10:18 AM

This bar has a wonderful collection of witco and it is nicely decorated. End of praises... The drinks were bad and some were downright gross. I had a Mai Tai and a Zombie and neither could even be compared to a real Mai Tai or Zombie. They weren't busy when I was there, so I am not chalking this up to being rushed.

meirybomb

meirybomb is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

August 9, 2018, 9:11 AM

Hala Kahiki is my happy place! Although it's not the first tiki bar I had been to, it's the one that made me fall in love with tiki. I disagree that they cut corners with their drinks. I have been several times, and while I will admit that if you go during their busiest times, your drink is not as likely to get as much care, I have sat at the bar and watched the drinks made, and I know they are carefully crafted. In fact, I recommend sitting at the bar. If you're lucky, you can chat up one of the owners and learn the history of the bar and their various recipes.

Corbin

Corbin has visited Hala Kahiki.

July 30, 2018, 10:08 AM

A great tiki experience. I'll visit again.
I visited on a Saturday around 7pm. The place looks incredible. Walked into the store that was full of tiki lamps and pictures, Tshirts, mugs and other souvineers. went to the bar and was blown away by the decor. The building and decorations feel like you've walked into a hut on a Hawaiian Island. The place was dead, but mostly because everyone was in the back room enjoying a hula show and buffet (I wish I knew, I was late for the show, but tickets only available online anyway) Exotica music was playing and the staff were friendly. The cons were, the drinks. I had a Dr. Funk which was okay (black licorice and rum) then I had a Mai Tai which was terrible. The garnish was bad too, a straw and a stir stick. Now I'm sure it's because I was the only one at the bar, but after a couple hours of that slow tempo exotica music and no interaction I almost fell asleep! Still I had a good time, grabbed a nice tiki farm mug with their name on it and really enjoyed the decor. * I'm sure the show and buffet are great, there was a food truck parked out front and the "chef's" kept running out of the back room, past me at the bar and to the food truck parked out front to get the patrons in the back their meals! I'm sure it was great food, but it was funny to watch.

Drinkbot

Drinkbot has visited Hala Kahiki.

May 28, 2018, 3:29 PM

Drink quality is poor. All drinks appear to be made with a sour mix and grenadine, so they all taste the same. I ordered a Zombie and a Hurricane, and they literally looked the same (red) and tasted the same (like sour mix and grenadine). I asked the server about this and she claimed they were the correct drinks. On the plus side, the drinks had a decent amount of alcohol, but the sour mix and grenadine was so strong, you could not tell if you were drinking cheap vodka or a fine rum. Maybe this place used to be good in its hey day, but not now.

Tikikahuna

Tikikahuna has visited Hala Kahiki.

April 11, 2018, 12:55 PM

I visited the Hala Kahiki for the first time last Sunday to attend the Lowbrow Aloha art show. Overall I was impressed. The inside of the bar is well decorated and although it was to cold out to use it, they also have an interesting outside area. Their bar looks to be very well stocked, especially with a very large rum selection. I had 2 drinks, the first a Dr. Funk which was excellent, and then a Mai Tai, which was disappointing. The bartenders are great, I just think their Mai Tai recipe is just not that great. I found it to be kind of Pina Coladaish. The biggest gripe I have with the place is the electronic gaming machines. Although I'd prefer the gaming machines to TVs, the glow they produce is distracting. At least they keep them kind of out of the way near the entrance.

Raider273

Raider273 has visited Hala Kahiki.

March 17, 2018, 10:37 AM

Wife and I made a point of trekking out to Hala Kahiki the evening of Friday, March 9, 2018, while visiting Chicago. Well worth the trip. Drinks were solid (not great), but the decor, service and vibe were outstanding. Almost like a time capsule to to tiki bars of days gone by.

The co-owner took time to chat with us and as others have noted, the place has a kind of 'friends' feel to it, like you could come back a year later and feel like a regular.

JCorduroy

JCorduroy has visited Hala Kahiki.

November 6, 2017, 8:30 AM

In town for a few days, and experienced a few of Chicago's tiki bars. I expected to enjoy myself at the Hala Kahiki, but I didn't expect to fall head over heels with it.

The exterior is amazing, with Tiki represented all over the outside. Entering the bar, and I was overwhelmed with what was there. It's a Witco museum, with stunning pieces all over the place, and amazing bamboo and texture everywhere. Our server was fantastic, and the drinks we had were spectacular.

The vibe of the place was off the charts - everyone felt like a regular and even though it was my first time in the bar, I felt like I'd be welcomed back without question. The music was amazing, and getting a seat next to the courtyard with the combination of the interior lighting and the natural lighting coming in from the picture window was awesome.

The gift shop was awesome, with a huge mix of clothing, decor, booze, and mugs. I took home a rum barrel for me, and a sculpted glass for the little dude. Awesome place, amazing experience.

NeilSmith

NeilSmith has visited Hala Kahiki.

September 23, 2017, 11:50 AM

This bar is over 50 years old, it's kind of like a Witco Museum inside. A must visit for any Tiki enthusiast.

tikiwithray

September 7, 2017, 12:07 AM

If your looking for a classic, old school tiki bar, look no further than Hala Kahiki! It's been around since the 60's and it feels that way and it's a good thing. Check out my full write up on Hala Kahiki...

http://www.tikiwithray.com/tiki-bar-review-37-hala-kahiki-river-grove-il/

GeekyTiki

GeekyTiki has visited Hala Kahiki.

August 27, 2017, 3:40 PM

Finally made it to Hala Kahiki and the trek was well worth it. I'll start with the couple negative points: First, the music was so-so, a bit of Exotica when we first arrived but it soon found its way to top-40 (though classic top-40 so it could have been worse). The main issue, however, is right here in the Critiki synopsis: the drinks are VERY sweet and not very strong. Between three of us we tried five drinks and each tended to be sweet (even those we ordered from the "not sweet" menu section). Aside from those couple issues, though, everything about Hala Kahiki is fantastic. The decor and tiki-ness are amazing and it is absolutely someplace I look forward to escaping to once the Chicago winters take hold and I need a tropical retreat.

Tige

Tige has visited Hala Kahiki.

August 7, 2017, 10:34 AM

This place is fabulous. Classic look and feel of what you expect a tiki bar to be. Leopard skin bar stools, lots of cozy, dark nooks. The drinks are good and their menu is enormous.

If I had one complaint it was the music. During my visit I didn't hear any exotica or even surf music. Lots of top 40 and some nonsense where patrons can control the music from an app on their phone.

Ok, two complaints. The video gambling machines also hurt the ambiance. I know it's a business and making money is the bottom line. It just detracts is all.

TikiChris

TikiChris is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

May 8, 2017, 11:06 PM

It surprises me this place is still such a secret in Chicagoland. The place is absolutely beautiful and the drink menu runs for something like 20 pages. It's also a lot more affordable and easier to get into than, say, Three Dots & A Dash. I try to make it in whenever I am in the area.

Kahiki Guy

Kahiki Guy has visited Hala Kahiki.

April 26, 2017, 11:50 AM

A classic must visit for a good reason.

Tiare

Tiare has visited Hala Kahiki.

July 3, 2016, 10:50 AM

I always stop into the Hala Kahiki when I am visiting my parents in Chicagoland. Massive drink menu though not the most authentic but I always seem to pick something good. Think I had a cherry drink on my last visit. The place is pretty large and love the decor. The service is meh. The gift shop has very restricted hours so plan ahead if you have your heart set on going. I always mean to go to the hot dog place next door, Gene and Jude's but haven't made it it yet. I hear it's great. They have no food at the Hala Kahiki so would be a good stop to soak up the booze.

monkeyman

monkeyman is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

January 22, 2016, 8:57 AM

Went back a month ago and talked to the owner. He is the grandson of the people who first opened the place and he is working on sprucing it up (not changing the style). He has cleaned up the garden and is even bringing a few new drinks to the menu. Had a great conversation with him. Also had a great and fun chat with the bartender and wait staff. (it was a slow night) I grew up in Chicago and always loved this place. It was fantastic to go back and I still love the place.

Bad Shirt Good Times

Bad Shirt Good Times is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

May 21, 2014, 9:37 AM

We go here once or twice a year, so probably have been a dozen times now. It's a tiki classic! Now with the Des Plaines Rivers casino nearby (quite nice) may get here even more often!

A few people here really hit the nail on the head... it *IS* a genuine tiki classic! Without a doubt, it's what a tiki bar should be decor-wise. That cluttered, tiki stuff everywhere feeling that you could spot new things around, behind and above the bar with each visit. The place seem intimate in each room, but there are many pockets and all decorated to the hilt. I love it for THAT reason alone.

Unfortunately, the music is terrible; a jukebox filled with everything from classic rock to classic rock. A few Elvis tunes, and a scant few oldies and Hawaiiany classics (meh, not enough). Sometimes too loud, sometimes too quiet.

I like the drinks okay and they definitely look authentic and tiki, but a bit weak, as others stated. The Scorpion, however, wowza. Packs a punch!

The service, for us at least, has been decent on our best day and beyond terrible on other visits. Slow, rude and downright absent. They have no food here and as busy as they may get, it's still relatively small? It is hard to navigate through a crowded, tight spaces, but still takes a really long time to get drinks on most weekend nights so order early is what we've learned.

Why do we come back? Simple: TIKI in abundance! It's all about that. Knowing their shortcomings we have learned to roll with it... it WILL be tough to a get a table on a weekend night. It will be a wait to get your drinks. It may not come with much of a smile. Bring CASH for the jukebox and program it with the right stuff (I spotted Andy Williams 'Blue Hawaii'!). I can't help it, we still love this place despite the negatives and will be back!

I hear they added a tiny bit of food now (been about a year, i think?).

thedrunkentiki

thedrunkentiki is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

May 20, 2014, 6:29 PM

The décor of this place is wonderful inside and it is absolutely huge! Nice collection of Witco throughout the entire place.

The music is hit or miss, at times they played Hawaiian or Exotica, but it was mixed in with really bad 90's music.

Sadly, the drinks are terrible. I ordered a Mai Tai and it arrived within 30 seconds of ordering. This place totally uses a quick mix to shell out these drinks quickly, which was disappointing.

The gift shop had some fun items, but the women working the store was like a character from SNL and just kept talking and talking and talking about nothing.

If they had a real mixologist and hired people that actually cared about the tiki culture, this place could be magnificent. However, I will always stop in when I am in the area, especially since this place usually has a groupon for half off.

Tiki Wachee

Tiki Wachee has visited Hala Kahiki.

January 9, 2013, 3:52 AM

Very easy to get to from O'Hare International and absolutely worth a visit if you're going to be at the airport longer than a couple of hours...maybe 10 minutes from the airport car rental offices, so it's super-easy to get to. You're not likely to find much better decor anywhere within a 100-mile radius of this place. While the exterior of the building may leave a little something to be desired on a tiki 10-scale, the interior is wonderful. There were, by the way, NO plastic white chairs that I could see anywhere on the grounds during my visit in January 2013, and I looked the place over front to back.

Bartender Jimmy (the Greek) was very friendly and attentive, serving me up several tasty drinks during my 2-hour visit during a layover. Drink menu was deep and varied, and the drinks themselves were sufficiently strong and tasty. Of the drinks I had, the Zombie was about a 6 or 7, the Suffering Bastard was a 7 or 8, and the Surf Rider (of which I have no basis of comparison) was probably about a 6. There are no hot food items served here, and what was on offer (exotic chips and some canned salsa w/ pineapple/mango added) was nothing special, but better than no food at all.

Background music was 90% Hawaiian (and all of it fine), 10% "other" (when the jukebox kicked in). The "other" music seemed oddly out of place, but was thankfully very sporadic. Overall, it cast off enough of a tiki vibe to greatly enhance the overall mood.

The gift shop was cluttered and kitschy, yes, but isn't that the way it should be? I would rate their gift shop as on par or slightly better than the gift shop at the Mai Kai. The tour of the gift shop that I received was maybe a bit too exhaustive, but was nonetheless appreciated. There was very little in the way of "branded" merchandise, which to my way of thinking was just fine. Very decent selection of clothing and a wide variety of mugs, jewelry and decor.

If I lived in Chicago, I would definitely be a regular at the Hala Kahiki.

Vince Martini

Vince Martini has visited Hala Kahiki.

February 3, 2012, 11:12 PM

Everyone raves and raves about the decor of the Hala Kahiki. The collection of Witco is great. But, as I sat at a table drinking a tepid mocktail, I looked out upon a courtyard of cheap white plastic chairs. At that point, my "experience" was officially DONE. This experience was only enhanced by a very cluttered, dirty and kitshy gift shop.

Hopefully, someone will step back and give the Hala Kahiki an honest assessment and polish this "should-be" tiki gem. Start with discarding the cheap white lawn chairs in the courtyard and completely revive the gift shop (with some creative and cool Hala Kahiki products). Oh, and hire a master mixologist, please! Let me know when you do and I will be there!!!

Chappy

Chappy is a semi-regular at Hala Kahiki.

December 2, 2011, 10:20 PM

Decor-wise, Hala Kahiki is a masterpiece. Drinks and music wise - they have a lot to improve upon. The Mai Tai I had there tasted more like some sort of sour mix drink, and the juke box has no exotica/surf/Tikiness whatsoever. Lots of bad 80s/90s music.

Being from Chicago, I hate to break bad on the Hala Kahiki, but they really need to step up their game on the drinks/music front.

Luau Lou Lou

Luau Lou Lou has visited Hala Kahiki.

July 25, 2011, 7:56 AM

I was amazed at the size and detail of this place. A great example of an original tiki bar that has remained successful for 45 years. You can grab a tasty cocktail from their extensive menu, and then walk from room to room admiring the decor. Every inch is a surprise. The courtyard is lovely, and don't miss the gift shop! They have mugs, lamps, tchochkes and new as well as vintage shirts and muu muus. A must see, and the staff are super friendy.

shaff01

shaff01 has visited Hala Kahiki.

March 1, 2010, 12:59 PM

This is a great out of the way place. As a visiter to Chicagoland I was amazed buy the number of people that had no idea what I was talking about when I mentioned it. Finally I would get a response like "Oh, that place. I have been driving by there since I was a kid but never stopped in"

For god sake people-stop in. You have a Tiki gem right in your backyard!!

Swanky

Swanky has visited Hala Kahiki.

April 8, 2009, 9:24 AM

Along with the Mai Kai, this is the best example of a Polynesian Paradise there is. Going in winter with a foot of snow on th eground is incredible!

Regulars and Visitors of Hala Kahiki

Regulars

People who go to Hala Kahiki at least a few times a month.

• skyrule
• Ragbag Comics
  Often on Sunday afternoon
• BitnerDesign
  Weekends
• elliepritts

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Hala Kahiki at least a few times a year.

• 
  ted tiki
• 
  hala bullhiki
• 
  Tikinaut
• 
  Deecaffs
• 
  Tiki Kahiki
• 
  Chump
• 
  Chappy
• 
  SweetieTiki
• 
  Tiki B
• 
  eli
• 
  thedrunkentiki
• 
  Bad Shirt Good Times
• 
  tedtiki
• 
  monkeyman
• 
  tikenya
• 
  Comicbookhero
• 
  rsully95
• 
  Helen Alice
• 
  SomedaySewing
• 
  dominodamsel
• 
  DaveValdez
• 
  Tiki_Will
• 
  geotiki
• 
  Tonga Trader
• 
  jchicago
• 
  Jonny
• 
  Tiki Kitten
• 
  Tiki Carl
• 
  TikiChris
• 
  MaikeTai
• 
  LeslieG
• 
  roxydanger
• 
  DebP
• 
  MichallaMarie
• 
  151_
• 
  TheFuzzyMusk
• 
  theCursedislands
• 
  meirybomb

Visitors

People who have been to Hala Kahiki at least once.

• 
  Humuhumu
• 
  Swanky
• 
  Zombified
• 
  virani
• 
  Quince at Dannys
• 
  MrBaliHai
• 
  voodootiki
• 
  The Jab
• 
  TNTiki
• 
  Trader Mike
• 
  Tiare
• 
  tikitucson
• 
  monkeyskull
• 
  Matango Derek
• 
  Rugby Matt
• 
  Lokelani
• 
  Trader Tom
• 
  NautiTiki
• 
  Zombieki
• 
  LouieLouie
• 
  151
• 
  ArrGounaut Jason
• 
  Tiki Greg
• 
  aloha.taboo
• 
  exquisitecorpse
• 
  pittsburgh paulie
• 
  SufferinSimon
• 
  phynix
• 
  darcsylver
• 
  elgatodiablo
• 
  vespa2112
• 
  Dana
• 
  blacksandz
• 
  Ukulele JJ
• 
  hahnfld
• 
  gfavro
• 
  Acronotus
• 
  ParTiki
• 
  gucky
• 
  AtomicToby
• 
  shaff01
• 
  John the Mainlander
• 
  tikibong
• 
  PhilTiki
• 
  Otto von Abbattoir
• 
  Pineapple Princess
• 
  allisonv
• 
  hoho
• 
  Kuai Craig
• 
  pearl
• 
  Hang10tiki
• 
  bongoboy
• 
  Luau Lou Lou
• 
  horgaloha
• 
  creepy tiki
• 
  sherlock2713
• 
  Chunga
• 
  Klockwork
• 
  bobeperu
• 
  Vince Martini
• 
  gooneybird
• 
  Burritoboy
• 
  Dodger
• 
  Bruce
• 
  Tiki Wachee
• 
  Wiki Tiki
• 
  The Porkchop Express
• 
  Buttercup
• 
  likwidtiki
• 
  Tikikahuna
• 
  Mono-Tiki-Tia
• 
  Hi Fi Hijinx
• 
  Smazik
• 
  skillbilly
• 
  A'Pau-ling
• 
  Test_subj
• 
  Silly Idol
• 
  timmy
• 
  John T.
• 
  mllekat
• 
  atomicginger
• 
  wickedthirteen
• 
  swiz
• 
  Doctor Ti
• 
  Dr. McTiki
• 
  KukePuluke
• 
  GR8Y
• 
  Martiki71
• 
  Castaway Kevin
• 
  Schwafish
• 
  Drinkbot
• 
  TikiPalace
• 
  erichauser
• 
  TheMeekTiki
• 
  mokantiki
• 
  rachel
• 
  abacab
• 
  donwestchester
• 
  Tangaroa Jefferson
• 
  Rumjourney
• 
  Mockingbird
• 
  kylelankford
• 
  Sukielau
• 
  NeilSmith
• 
  Claymontgomery
• 
  LizAtomic
• 
  Kilikopela
• 
  AtomicLady
• 
  BeccaSchmecca
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  tammylc
• 
  MichaelSaul
• 
  Mnchuck
• 
  Raider273
• 
  GitcheeTiki
• 
  Misterkingdom
• 
  Mcg1277
• 
  ChicagoTiki
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  paxattaxer
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  TikiTimbo713
• 
  Josh Yonutas
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  RumDrunkPirate
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  fun4robots
• 
  Murray
• 
  waterygrave
• 
  Bungalow Robb
• 
  newlegendmike
• 
  rwallmeier
• 
  Moxietregatti
• 
  Citizenskip
• 
  Leaseapenny
• 
  Uapu'uwai
• 
  Ggavintage
• 
  GW
• 
  roddog
• 
  Tinman Tom
• 
  VintageVixen
• 
  Paralyzed Poly
• 
  Kahiki Guy
• 
  turbogod
• 
  Lucy Diamond Tiki
• 
  AWESOM-O
• 
  Corbin
• 
  Cap'nHaddock
• 
  SarntLee
• 
  GeekyTiki
• 
  Tige
• 
  Monkeydead13
• 
  JTiki
• 
  merdogg
• 
  LoaLaur
• 
  AlohaEric
• 
  tikitami
• 
  Jeff Bannow
• 
  JCorduroy
• 
  House of Tabu
• 
  Tiki Mistress
• 
  dlgreenwald
• 
  MoVengeance
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  jeepyjb
• 
  Frenchy
• 
  Nachonomics
• 
  Bonbon
• 
  Demerara24
• 
  LoveCraft_Cocktails
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  Capt1320
• 
  jimbo
• 
  BarnztheTiki
• 
  Mat&Josh
• 
  TropicAmber
• 
  DMB
• 
  Graydon
• 
  Jesse
• 
  AlohaYaz
• 
  KahunaCP
• 
  michigan_rummy
• 
  Ka Laki Lolo Tiki