Otto's Shrunken Head

Comments about Otto's Shrunken Head

sandy tiki

February 24, 2020, 3:14 PM

I had hear a lot about this place, so I was quite shocked when I first arrived and punk music was blasting. I planned on getting a zombie and leaving. The bartender was actually very attentive to our group and kept the drinks flowing. Her temperament was not necessarily "nice" but fitting with the vibe of the place (not rude, but abrasive, like Dick's Last Resort). What kept me there and has brought me back was the quality of their drinks. I tried quite a few of them and they were all very good. The drinks had all of the spices and juices that you expect. I would say check the place out, but don't expect it to be the same vibe as a Trader Vic's

altmusicman

November 8, 2019, 9:57 AM

Agree with other comments that this place is not "pure" tiki and that the punk-meets-tiki description is accurate, but I actually really like that. In my opinion, tiki was always a mish-mash of influences and cultures, so I appreciate it when people play around with it. With Otto's they really play off the campy and counter-cultural elements of tiki and blend it with those same elements of punk, rockabilly, goth, etc. Plus I have increasingly become more and more punk as I age and so this is perfect for me. I've never had a bad night here and will go back ever time I go to NYC. Goth night is a good time, just FYI.

Phischy

Phischy has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 14, 2019, 3:20 PM

Can't rate them as I arrived at opening and the bartender was just getting set up. Was served promptly and she was very chatty and pleasant. I'd def return.

The Nerdy Monkey

The Nerdy Monkey has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 1, 2019, 9:55 PM

I don’t feel like this place is a tiki bar, I think the description above “tiki meets punk” is kind of accurate. They had a live band in the back playing while I was there, but they BLASTED music in the front of the bar in a sad, terrible attempt to drown out the music from the band in the back. Made no sense and just made for an loud annoying time. I didn’t have a drink because I was annoyed by this place pretty much as soon as I walked in. I think this place is great, but not if you’re expecting a tiki bar. Had I known this place was going to be like this, I could have enjoyed myself here (aside from the drowning out music). The patrons were not neither tiki people or punk, they were like generic, just left college kind of people if that makes any sense. They were the kind of people I would expect at any new, no personality kind of bar for hipster college kids 🤷🏻‍♀️ I wouldn’t be against coming back here, however it’s NYC, plenty of other great places to go.

James

James has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

January 2, 2019, 6:34 PM

I like the vibe, but the cocktails... man, it was rough. Mai Tai was not a Mai Tai, and I followed it up with a classic daiquiri. They only have four (WTF!) rums behind the bar — Flor De Caña, Bacardi Superior, Gosling’s, and Meyer’s — and the daiquiri was 3 parts rum (could be worse part to go over on), 1 part lime, and one part Pisco?!

It’s a dark punk rock dive bar with great music, and a real old school vibe that reminded me of Frankie’s, but maybe stick to shots.

EdOConnor

EdOConnor has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

September 13, 2018, 9:50 AM

I went to Otto's a few years ago, so please factor this in with my comments, which may seem nit-picky to some. At that time the bar's décor was tiki-themed, but the spirit of the place was not really feelin' it. Similar to other comments here, it felt like a NY dive-bar dressed up in Tiki clothing. The bartender shook up a few Mai-Tai's which were serviceable, but at a level of quality and presentation that I would not serve my guests at my home. On the plus side, Otto's did sell a nice array of tchochkes, scorpion bowls and tiki memorabilia-- nothing earth-shattering and some of it quite standard, but I did stock up on a few items before I headed out the door.

Overall I think I was a mismatch for the type of patron Otto's attracts. I'm a cocktail afficionado and I'm willing to pay significantly more for interesting/exotic high-quality cocktails and an engaging experience. While that's not the vibe at Otto's, I have no regrets about going there-- there are just better establishments to seek out for my personal tastes.

EricVailTiki

EricVailTiki has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

August 13, 2018, 11:26 AM

Otto's kinda sucks. I spent much of my youth frequenting punk shows but the band playing in the back room was WAAAAAY too loud. I couldn't hear my girlfriend sitting next to me at the bar. And the drinks weren't very good at all. Too much alcohol (yes, that's a bad thing -- destroyed the taste). The bartenders were aging rocker chicks. Not a fan of the place, at all. Still, they had some cool, expensive mugs so they had that going for em -- which is nice.

NYC is not a tiki haven. It's more about the cocktails. I'd rather head over to Blacktail for some Cuban drinks, barhop the East Village, belly up at Pegu Club (my favorite) or hit up a classic like Bemelman's on the UWS.

tikitraveler

tikitraveler is a semi-regular at Otto's Shrunken Head.

June 30, 2018, 4:34 PM

Pretty cool Tiki dive bar. Punk/hipster crowd, and rock music. Plenty of tiki statues, check. Velvet black light painting, check. Assortment of tiki mugs, available for purchase, check.

Tried around 5 drinks. Mai tai wasn't particularly good. Most of the drinks had a generic fruit juice + rum flavor. The bar's special "shrunken head" drink was very good.

Kahiki Guy

Kahiki Guy has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

June 11, 2018, 3:59 AM

Otto's is a fun bar. It's definitely Tiki-meets-Punk. With live local punk bands playing in the back room, which I enjoyed checking out. The decor is solid, the mood is pretty welcoming. The only true negative I can say is that the drinks were just bad. I ordered a Mai-Tai, which is the "go to" whenever I'm visiting a new Tiki bar, and the standard by which I judge anything after, and it was pink, and served in a pint glass. To say Otto's is a Tiki bar is a stretch, but it is a fun Tiki inspired hole in the wall with a cool NY vibe.

JP

JP has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

November 11, 2017, 2:34 PM

Hole-in-the-wall, and off the beaten path a bit.

The drinks were tasty, the mugs cheap, the music was great (but not very tiki-slanted) - I would like to go back and hang out for a bit longer. I was in a rush to get back to the airport.

Cash only!

Tiki Lindy

Tiki Lindy has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 18, 2017, 8:35 PM

This place has the location, the name, and the potential, but falls flat as a tiki bar. Don't get me wrong, it was a good visit, but more general bar, with tiki slant than full tikidom. The drinks are on the sweet side. The biggest plus is $6 tiki mug souvenirs. The music ranged from Johnny Cash to AC/DC and beyond.

bejacob

bejacob has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 5, 2017, 4:35 PM

I really liked Otto's. Admittedly the music was not tiki (DJ that night played mostly 80s new wave, which was actually kind of fun). Good selection of tiki drinks with some cool mugs you can take home (for a modest price). Purists might be disappointed, but for the casual tikiphile (is that such a thing?) this is a place worth checking out. I will definitely be going back next time I'm in NYC.

paxattaxer

paxattaxer has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

June 4, 2017, 3:17 PM

This is a dive bar with a kinda tiki theme. Not a tiki bar.

Corbin

Corbin has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

May 18, 2017, 5:52 AM

Otto's is a weird tiki bar. It's like a cross between a tiki bar and New York punk rock. Lots of tattooed ladies in leather jackets and guys in denim. But the staff is nice and quick, the drinks are okay and the mood is great. If you ask, and it's a slow night, they will even make you something special to suit your particular tastes. Worth a visit.

tikiwithray

tikiwithray has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

April 13, 2017, 3:36 PM

I think the best way to describe Otto’s Shrunken Head is simply this: imagine if the punk rock band the Cramps owned a Tiki bar! Here is my full write up....

http://www.tikiwithray.com/tiki-bar-review-28-ottos-shrunken-head-nyc/

TabbieWolf

TabbieWolf has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

March 29, 2017, 11:17 AM

Is tiki punk a thing? Because this place is that. Definitely more bar than anything, with live music in the back. Tiny hole in the wall place with bamboo on the bar and blowfish lamps.

Food: Not applicable; this place is truly just a bar
Drinks: Huge selection - because yeah, it's just a bar! Lots of tiki classics and bartender's specials. Would definitely go back to try more.
Tiki Mugs: Some custom to location, drinks served in, and purchasable!

Jackievonspanks

Jackievonspanks is a regular at Otto's Shrunken Head.

April 19, 2016, 9:10 AM

I absolutely love Ottos! It's technically not a traditional tiki bar but a little more on the punk and psychobilly side of the spectrum.

TikiTravis

TikiTravis has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

April 2, 2016, 3:51 PM

I was there in June of 2015, and it was an anniversary party for the bar itself, so my one and only experience included lots of people, a live surf rock band from Japan, and lots of great tiki vibe. I want to go back when there isn't a special event to feel what the "true" place is like...

tabuzak

tabuzak is a regular at Otto's Shrunken Head, and is usually there Third Wednesday of the month.

July 19, 2014, 5:33 AM

The Exotica quotient is up with Primativa in Hi-Fi doing every third Wednesday of the month.

Wild Man of Wongo

Wild Man of Wongo has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

December 28, 2011, 8:40 AM

Ah, I wanted to like Otto's more than I did ... It just didn't get it done for me. To be fair, I went on a Saturday night in the wintertime, it was packed with people, and they were playing really loud hardcore music - so all of that made it difficult to appreciate the scene. I did like the look of the small back room, where a rockabilly band was playing, but there wasn't enough room for us to get in there. The decor is fairly sparse (though I liked the cloth wall hangings behind our table) and the drinks were totally average. I wouldn't mind going back at a less busy time - my opinion might change if I had a chance to visit with the bartenders and pay more attention to the surroundings. And good for them, I guess, that they're doing a booming business. Just not my favorite.

Builtiki

Builtiki has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

September 4, 2009, 4:13 PM

Saturday afternoon in the East Village...NYC...Tiki the Big Apple style...old school NYC punk rock mixed by a true NewYorker DJ...drinking w the bartender...not so tiki but a great place to go...

exquisitecorpse

exquisitecorpse is a semi-regular at Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 19, 2009, 6:56 PM

i <3 ottos and try to stop in every time i am in the city.
it is a rock & roll bar mostly, but if you go early or really late it is pretty quiet and chill. they have different music nights so you should check their website and see if it is something you are into. they have a huge selection of tiki drinks and a dozen that are served in mugs for a $5 deposit which you are welcome to keep.
they also have scorpion bowls. it's cash only and the tiki drinks are $10/$15 with the mug.

pittsburgh paulie

pittsburgh paulie has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

July 16, 2009, 10:11 AM

I had a great time @ Otto's, but maybe it was just the booze. It is a very "Village-y" place, but parts remind me of some earlier places, more hangout/dive than theme park. And did you see that mug selection?!

Hurricane Hayward

Hurricane Hayward has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

June 4, 2009, 3:12 AM

I actually admire the moxie of Otto's trying to expand the boundaries of Tiki just a bit with different styles of music (don't dwell on the punk or metal, they also feature great rockabilly, jazz and many other styles). And it's a cozy little room with a very fun vibe. Some "authentic" Tiki joints can be downright boring. Never a problem here. That said, the drinks need lots of work judging by my visits last year.

Amanda International

Amanda International is a semi-regular at Otto's Shrunken Head.

May 31, 2009, 10:38 AM

I'm not in love with the place, either. Although it has a tiki decor and cocktail menu, it's more of a loud rock venue attracting the death metal/punk crowd. Very friendly staff n' all, but it's not really a tiki bar. I've been many times and have never heard a note of tropical music. Last time I was there, they were playing Nine Inch Nails. A fun, lively venue (with live bands, too), but not for me. It's topical...but not tRopical, and a taste of exotica is what I look for in a tiki bar. I want to be transported to the South Seas; Otto's makes me feel firmly stuck in the East Village.

Olive Twist

Olive Twist is a regular at Otto's Shrunken Head, and is usually there Last TH. of the mo. for SIT.

May 18, 2009, 12:29 PM

This is a down and dirty loud rock & roll bar, with a tiki décor and drinks, just so you know. Live music in the back room (some good stuff; see their web page calendar) A couple of good bartenders (Pam!) but really bad ones who can't even mix a drink and don't even want to.

billy schit

March 11, 2009, 7:38 AM

I ended one of many bar hopping evenings at otto's shrunken head, cool shack, though a bit crowded. get you drink and head for the back room if you need the space (unless theres a show going on, at which point your beat). cool atmosphere, expensive beer

digitalmotion

digitalmotion has visited Otto's Shrunken Head.

January 8, 2009, 2:52 PM

On a recent visit to NYC, the high Critiki rating made this one destination that I definitely had to visit.

It was a COMPLETE letdown.

I have no idea how it got such a high rating; perhaps this once was a tiki bar -- now it's filled with the death metal crowd.

They still have some tiki drinks and they do have some fun tiki mugs for sale; so it wasn't a complete wash.

I don't really know how to rate their tiki drinks. By California standards they were pretty bad; but those might be the best tiki drinks New York has to offer for all I know. (To be fair, I have Tiki Ti, Trader Vic's, Forbidden Island, et al that I'm comparing this place to.)

It's really too bad; New York could use a good tiki bar. Sadly, this is not it.

Regulars and Visitors of Otto's Shrunken Head

Regulars

People who go to Otto's Shrunken Head at least a few times a month.

• Olive Twist
  Last TH. of the mo. for SIT
• tabuzak
  Third Wednesday of the month
• Eleanor Joy
  Midnight Monster Hop Night
• Jackievonspanks
• donwestchester
  I try to make it whenever in NYC
• Dru
• NatalievonTiki
  Mostly weekends, but sometimes week nights.
• matt_loopy
  Saturdays
• Von_Kraut

Semi-Regulars

People who go to Otto's Shrunken Head at least a few times a year.

• 
  Trader Mike
• 
  exquisitecorpse
• 
  Amanda International
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  nrefzen
• 
  LaurenJoy
• 
  PAPA-OOM-Moai-Moai
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  darangatang
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  mokoba
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  coral
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  Tiki't-ez
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  Ohhoe
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  PKJC
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  elliepritts
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  Disarmed
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  TbirdJesse
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  Kelight
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  Cannibal Ehd
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  TikiTimbo713
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  Tom Johnson
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  IvanaBlaize
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  adriancardwell
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  Witty_Pseudonym
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  Angelina Sofia
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  merdogg
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  Hotdogsandpizza
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  binaryoverride
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  TikAndDestroy
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  tikitraveler
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  TikiTor
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  RoccoSupreme
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  edevlin13
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  Gormanghast1
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  BabeFromTheBlackLagoon

Visitors

People who have been to Otto's Shrunken Head at least once.

• 
  Humuhumu
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  Slacks Ferret
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  virani
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  Quince at Dannys
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  radiotiki
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  Gilligan
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  wayne-tiki-tiki
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  tikitucson
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  Matango Derek
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  Rugby Matt
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  JRCX
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  Lokelani
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  TIKIPAKA
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  tiki dude
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  ArrGounaut Jason
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  Cybergosh
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  geedavee
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  DanNowicki
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  DoktorTiki
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  pittsburgh paulie
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  Hurricane Hayward
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  TikiT
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  phynix
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  Trott
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  puppo
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  digitalmotion
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  djmagus
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  xtsnpatx
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  Ukulele JJ
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  Tiki Kim
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  Capt. R.H. Falernum
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  Builtiki
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  Joannebot
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  gucky
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  Tiki_Bee
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  Tiki B
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  hoho
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  Wild Man of Wongo
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  InexorableTash
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  galtiki
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  HellCortez
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  schonert3
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  KaitlinPD
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  Sneaky Tiki
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  bongoboy
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  TikimanDan
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  tikiwagon
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  Sailor Lars
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  Zombie Mike
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  jonvon
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  Slick_Vic
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  JuanTiki1
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  Kruisin' Kokonut
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  KrankyTiki
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  Rum Forest Rum
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  thedrunkentiki
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  Grog_Zombie
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  Blueguerilla
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  A'Pau-ling
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  Poho Boy
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  Noland Nocount
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  Lorilovestiki
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  sailorjenny
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  NYC Tiki
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  JenMeat
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  Emily
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  John T.
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  Tikihut Honeycutt
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  Comicbookhero
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  AnnieKai
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  Fuzzy
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  abkidd
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  boha
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  drvid64
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  James
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  TikiEd
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  Adam Bomb
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  soldiersdisease
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  Doctor Ti
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  KukePuluke
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  Martiki71
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  tikiwithray
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  erinsauce
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  paxattaxer
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  Kahiki Guy
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  Missmaelaroux
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  She Creep
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  Anarion
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  Miss Bamboo
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  Tiki Lindy
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  bob
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  Fridalupe
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  paideia
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  LoaLaur
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  Midwest Tiki
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  MidnightAtTheOasis
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  bowlofpretzels
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  Mik-Tai
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  CandyGhoul
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  Wahini Brix
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  wendyfitzhugh
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  Suffering Bastard
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  lbshek
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  JP
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  alohaAnneEO
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  Tiki Mattie
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  Hreeves77
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  Tskavlan
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  Kiwi Steve
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  Nachonomics
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  srw1109
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  ms.swizzlestick
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  MeaganKyla
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  JV
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  Rumandbones
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  TraderSharps
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  tracknicholson
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  NareTikiCult
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  missmobtown
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  Yacaboo
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  58_Esquire
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  TheFuzzyMusk
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  KahunaCP
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  ElsieBee
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  Misslindsay
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  The Nerdy Monkey
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  Vandygirl04
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  Pleasure Tiki's
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  meirybomb
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  Tikisteffie
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  EricVailTiki
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  blackpearl454
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  Wicked Wahini
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  oceanstar9
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  Mauddeitch
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  jshazar
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  okuma
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  EdOConnor
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  henselmonster
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  FujiyamaLana
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  Trader Stank
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  yetanotherusername
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  TikiJohnny
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  TraderSampson
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  peggy_pineapple
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  mrskckitty
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  Lyndie Luau
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  Mick_v73
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  Tiki Crab
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  TikiVivvian
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  ShortBusRiot
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  RikiRude
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  EricaTheRed
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  artiem28
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  daveduffett
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  telegramm_samm
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  Junajetset
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  Phischy
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  TraderCliffy
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  KaleighJ
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  brikka
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  Le French Tikiman
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  Tiki_hellcat
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  CaptainKat
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  nprorick
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  Ocean Flo
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  WynTiki
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  AlohaSteveNJ