TikiCat

Comments about TikiCat

Tikiseekee

Tikiseekee has visited TikiCat.

July 5, 2019, 8:06 PM

My boyfriend and I spent a little extended weekend vaca in KC. My #1 objective was to get to the Tikicat to see what all the fuss was about. It met my expectations in EVERY way! I got the painkiller and a mai tai, both equally delicious. My boyfriend is not at all the "tiki bar type", and it's safe to say he was converted. Already looking forward to the next experience!

Midwest Tiki

Midwest Tiki has visited TikiCat.

June 17, 2019, 9:31 PM

I decided to come here because of how high its rating is on here and I was in town for a wedding. TikiCat isn't marked anywhere on the building it's in or the route you take to get there, so when you find the hallway for the door to enter TikiCat, it feels like you have found a mysterious tropical paradise.

The attention to detail for the decor here is incredible, including the bamboo on the ceiling and tikis everywhere. All of the drinks, including the non-alcoholic drinks, are expertly crafted and mixed, even though it broke my heart they couldn't make a mai tai as they were out of the rum. The menu is filled with tiki classics, as well as their spin on the classics and they're all perfect. The bartenders are really friendly and it also filled me with delight to sit on a leopard print L-shaped couch while sipping a Zombie. Having frequented Foundation in Milwaukee, I know what it's like to be in a busy tiki bar on a Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised to be there when it was busy and be able to talk to the people I was with and not have to yell to be heard.

My only complaint is the music. There's some traditional Hawaiian music, Bossa Nova, and then they played "Mambo No. 5" and The B-52s. It seemed very odd and usually stuck out to me, until they went back to tropical music.

ScubaRoberta

ScubaRoberta has visited TikiCat.

June 13, 2019, 3:26 PM

Traveled a long ways to see this bar, from Seattle Washington! It was worth the trip !!!
Cocktails were strong and delicious, the music was perfect and a lot of fun, and the decor was fabulous ( and that’s coming from a professional interior designer )!!!
The only disappointing thing was they were out of their signature tiki mugs to purchase.
The staff was very professional, caring, and top-notch!

ScubaRoberta

ScubaRoberta has visited TikiCat.

June 13, 2019, 3:26 PM

Traveled a long ways to see this bar, from Seattle Washington! It was worth the trip !!!
Cocktails were strong and delicious, the music was perfect and a lot of fun, and the decor was fabulous ( and that’s coming from a professional interior designer )!!!
The only disappointing thing was they were out of their signature tiki mugs to purchase.
The staff was very professional, caring, and top-notch!

bzb

bzb has visited TikiCat.

March 28, 2019, 5:35 AM

The basement entrance is outstanding. It feels exclusive and full of whimsy that you’re discovering a hidden paradise.

And that’s just the damn door.

The decor is fantastic, the bartenders are friendly and attentive, the hut cabanas create a little private retreat in an already-intimate setting.

The painkiller was nothing short of outstanding.

And yep... a tiki cat mug from Tiki Farm is coming home with me.

My only “complaint” (extremely minor) is the music was a bit random for a tiki bar... but seems like something I’d do in my own bar. A bit of Hawaiian and surf, then some oldies, then some randomness 80s.

austiki

austiki has visited TikiCat.

March 8, 2019, 6:57 AM

Best Tiki bar I have ever been too and in Westport KCMO of all places!! Great drinks and awesome scene. Will be back!

ApeMummy

ApeMummy has visited TikiCat.

February 20, 2019, 4:28 PM

The bar is great, the drinks are pretty good, but the reservation system they have implemented is absolutely ridiculous. Our party of 6 made a reservation - fine. Everything was great - however 2 hours after our reservation we were told we had to leave to make room for another reservation - even though the room was half empty. Huh? I figured I'd go to the bar to finish my drink and maybe order one more - sorry those empty bar stools are reserved too. OK how about these 20 empty seats over here? Nope. I was speechless. And no we were not drunk and being idiots whatsoever. I understand they have to have SOME kind of system in place but to turn away people mid-visit when there is lots of empty space is just silly.

Riddick

Riddick is a semi-regular at TikiCat.

December 22, 2018, 5:46 PM

Excellent as always!

neanderthal85

neanderthal85 has visited TikiCat.

October 9, 2018, 10:45 AM

I've been wanting to visit TikiCat since I heard it was opening. With a Kansas City wedding reception happening literally down the street, this was the chance.

This is by far the best Tiki bar I've visited, and absolutely worthy of the #1 ranking. There are two kinds of Tiki bars it seems - the large, open, classic Tiki (Mai Kai, Trader Vic's, Tonga Room, etc.) and the smaller, more modern bar sized Tiki (TikiCat, Smuggler's, Three Dots, etc.) I much prefer the latter while absolutely appreciating the history of the former. I loved Mai Kai, but the intimacy of TikiCat is what propels it to the top for me.

The decor is fantastic. It was done in such a way that it seems all at once overwhelming, refined, cluttered, secluded, and relaxing. The furniture is right out of some 60's/70's Hawaiian resort. The lighting, decor, carvings - all of it is spot on. I went twice for extended periods of time, and I always felt like I was discovering something new.

The service is amazing - the whole bar staff were so gracious and welcoming. I've seen the other reviews about wait times or reservations - it's popular, that's for sure. But I never felt put off or unwelcome. In fact, I've not come across, as a whole, a nicer set of staff in any bar. I really think the world of them.

Finally, the drinks. Hands down the best I've ever had. I'll list out all of them I had or tried, with thoughts:

Mai Tai - best Tiki bar Mai Tai I've ever had, in the classic glass with mint sprig and half lime shell

The Luau - the popular flaming punch bowl is delicious, but the presentation is Instagram worthy, and this seemed to be the most popular option while I was there

Painkiller - maybe the second best Tiki drink I've ever had, with a rich caramel after taste...I ordered one each night I was there

Tiki Puka Puka - just a solid, well-rounded drink that my wife said was her favorite

Gin On, You Pisco Diamond - the only one I didn't care for, as it felt flat and without depth, like it needed a good syrup behind it

Puka Pumba's Paradise Punch - another favorite of my wife's that is a show-stopper when delivered

Tradewinds - one of my favorite that I tried, it's creamy but refreshing

Grog Right Meow - the best Tiki drink I've ever had, and while I'm very partial to creamy coffee drinks (White Russians all day for me), it just has a flavor that is worthy of a final dessert...I had one each night, and convinced a few others to order them, too

I know TikiCat won't be everyone's cup of tea, but in the grand scheme of things, it's certainly worthy of a #1 ranking, and should be a destination for folks who love Tiki.

BeccaSchmecca

BeccaSchmecca has visited TikiCat.

August 3, 2018, 7:33 AM

Went on a road trip to to TikiCat from Milwaukee just to check it out. We made reservations well in advance, which is recommemded.

So, let’s me preface this be saying it’s a great tiki bar and definitely in my top 5, but...it was a bit of a let down. We waited 25 minutes outside of the bar despite having a reservation. Really not a huge issue at all but I saw them turn several people away for not having reservations when the bar had plenty of empty seating the whole time we were there. The staff, however, was sooooooo nice about it. They even bought us a round to make up for it despite us not complaining at all....and a round at Tikicat is no cheap thing.

The decor is very detailed and well thought out. Great bamboo work and carvings. There are some pieces that I’m not a fan of (large, dayglo mod murals) but that’s more of a taste thing on my part. They were playing reggae music, though, which I just don’t think belongs in a tiki bar. Plus they were out off ALL tiki mugs. None of the 4 mugs they sell were in stock and even the drinks were served in regular glasses. I have to admit I was a little more than bummed out about that as I looked forward to getting one for so long.

Here’s where they have everyone beat: their drinks and service. The staff was SO nice and accommodating. Really the nicest ever . Plus I can honestly say that the drinks I had were the best tiki drinks I have EVER had. I had the Port Light and the Puka Puma.

Overall a great tiki bar and not to be missed if you’re in KC, but not No . 1 in my book.

Nancifer

Nancifer has visited TikiCat.

July 30, 2018, 6:46 AM

I booked a couple months in advance. We were driving about 3 hours to get there. We had a late reservation, 10pm and arrived early. They were no accepting walk ins, but many tried to get in. My advice is to not arrive too early. The small, narrow waiting area has a lot of foot traffic from the bar/restaurant upstairs, ie staff carrying food trays, kegs etc. But they have plenty to look at as you wait. Manager and hostess were dealing with a couple of inebriated young ladies, they were unable to serve them because they were obviously too intoxicated. After they left we were seated and it was nothing but fabulous after that! We all started with painkillers (my personal favorite) after that round we all tried something new to us. My husband had the daylight come, my son had the planters punch and I had the puka pumbas paradise punch (off the recommendation of another guest) they were all delicious! Then hubby had a mai tai and my son and I split another painkiller.
Overall i found the decor to be pleasing, staff was extremely accommodating and fellow patrons were very chill. I can definitely see why Tikicat was rated #1.

TikiLizzy

TikiLizzy has visited TikiCat.

June 29, 2018, 9:58 AM

TikiCat is my first Tiki Bar! A colleague of mine introduced me to Critiki and we decided to start my Tiki journey here at TikiCat.

Great ambiance and loved the secret squirrel entrance. The staff was friendly and very informative. The Puka Pumba master himself was enjoyable as well!

The Port Light was YUMMY!

I would definitely come back next time I'm in Kansas City!

KariRyan

KariRyan has visited TikiCat.

June 14, 2018, 2:09 PM

I absolutely loved this tiki bar. One thing that made it stand out, besides the drinks, was how amazing the staff was. Their attention to the customer is beyond compare. I cannot wait to go back.

KukePuluke

KukePuluke has visited TikiCat.

May 23, 2018, 7:57 PM

What is the essence of Tiki?
Is it created by making a shopping list and procuring the goods and installing them?
If something looks right, does it always feel right?

Tucked away in a basement of another bar, just past the restrooms, is a compact wonderland in Kansas City, MO.
Past the toilets the décor changes – there are tikis on the ceiling and the lighting is extremely subdued. A wooden door, next to a foreboding sign listing the rules of entry, looks like a good tiki portal point. The doorbell is pushed and one is buzzed in. Into the lush tiki-cat-acombs!

The interior is a gorgeous assemblage of well chosen tiki elements. The lighting is beautiful. We were delighted with the Creature From The Black Lagoon, and Sleestak images among the tikis, pufferfish, glass floats, etc.

On my first visit here Yma Sumac was heard, and the second and third time. On the third visit there was a DJ playing whimsical obscurities from the 60’s and 70’s. Generally the music heard here is all over the oldies spectrum and not funneled into a quintessential tiki quality.

My Mai Tai was superb.
The other drinks I sampled were fine, but I did not care for the Puka Pumbaa Punch……too much like “Hawaiian Punch with rum” (were they paying homage to SF tiki dive bar Trad’r Sam’s?).

So the place looks great and the drinks taste good. BUT, there’s and element of fascism going on here that for us obliterated the aloha. Spontaneity is basically forbidden.
Drop-ins are not welcomed. RESERVATIONS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED! The reservation policy is heavy handed with a policy of charging $10 per person for no shows (one must furnish a credit card number to reserve) and the right to refuse seating if the correct number of your party hasn’t assembled. Inside voices please, no woo-hooing!

I’m glad there is interest in Tiki and there are new bars opening. I appreciate the homework the TikiCat folks have done in creating a beautiful space. I understand wanting to have a space filled with an appreciative crowd, especially if the establishment is in a neighborhood full of places to party.
I suggest regulating the joy out of an evening is not the way to go.

KukePuluke

KukePuluke has visited TikiCat.

May 11, 2018, 7:53 AM

Contrary to the hours posted here and on the bar's website, I was told, when I walked in on a Wednesday night at about 10:45, that they were closed to walk-ins after 10:30!
The bar room had maybe 6 people sitting at tables, Yma Sumac was "singing", the place looked terrific......BUT I was not feeling the aloha. as my request for a Mai Tai was refused.
I'm giving this place another chance.

TackyTiki

April 14, 2018, 10:19 AM

This is the closest to perfection we will EVER get. Everything is just so perfect. Drinks are simply out of this world.

tikiglees

tikiglees has visited TikiCat.

March 28, 2018, 11:03 AM

Just visited TikiCat and totally hip to it. Sat at the bar with PukaPumba serving and had a great time. Hands down, the place is fun, people are cool and they are stoked to be driving the tiki bus in KC. Drinks were solid and I hear there are some really cool things happening for their 1st birthday in a few weeks. Get there!

Nkalda

Nkalda has visited TikiCat.

February 3, 2018, 6:24 PM

No words or photos can explain the vibe and taste and overall fantastic tikiness that boils up in my veins here. I am in awe. And in jealousy. And my drink is the apex of the evening.

Perfessor

Perfessor has visited TikiCat.

December 30, 2017, 2:05 PM

Well done all the way around: fabulous decor, a mysterious hallway entrance, comfortable nooks and crannies, great music, several proprietary mugs, and oh, yeah, a well curated and executed drink menu. Gotta go back!

SteelKel

SteelKel has visited TikiCat.

November 24, 2017, 5:53 PM

So friendly here, I wish this place was in Denver! Drinks were so good and love the decor. Favorite is the black lagoon fountain.

tattooeddrumguy

tattooeddrumguy has visited TikiCat.

November 16, 2017, 5:51 PM

make a reservation! almost didnt get in after driving all day... great spot. full of locals but easy to overlook their lack of tikiness in light of a fab bar.

jotiki

jotiki has visited TikiCat.

November 3, 2017, 9:24 AM

Just loved and so happy we found one close to home. I think the tiki following is going to come back big Planning on taking friends back

Tikichuck

Tikichuck has visited TikiCat.

October 29, 2017, 6:14 AM

The tiki glass collection on display is not to be missed

Kuai Craig

Kuai Craig has visited TikiCat.

October 22, 2017, 9:39 PM

Funky name, GREAT Tiki Bar!
I have made road trips from St. Louis to Tiki Cat just for two drinks and a mug.
Great service, gracious hosts, fantastic drinks and amazing decor.
I have been to 35 tiki bars and counting in multiple countries, Tiki Cat is a top 5in my book.
Amazingly well thought out and a true tropical oasis in the midst of the Midwest.
BRAVO! ALOHA AND MAHALO!

Uapu'uwai

Uapu'uwai has visited TikiCat.

October 20, 2017, 5:27 PM

Come as a friend, leave as a fan. 11 out of 10. Everyone of the extremely hospitable crew made my two visits simply amazing! Mahalo.

Cheap bastard

Cheap bastard has visited TikiCat.

August 26, 2017, 7:12 AM

O......M.......G....I am still short of breath. This place is GREAT!!! If you read my reviews, first of all thank you!, then you know that I am a fan of kitschy places. I love the quirkiness of tiki bars. This place is so on point. The decor is so well done. It is the right mix of kitsch and posh. Reservations are recommended but if you don't make them then you can wait upstairs in Hop Cat until a table opens up. The host Marc was so nice, helpful, and knowledgeable. Piku Palau (sp?) makes incredible drinks. The menu is a perfect mix of classics and original concoctions. The coup de gras.....they're mugs that are custom from Tiki Farm are only $10......yes....$10. Needless to say I bought the set of 4. This is a must see for all tikiphiles. I love it.

toula

August 9, 2017, 3:51 PM

loved the authentic vibe. great addition to the KC area. really friendly staff. will definitely recommend and go again!

tjbottles

tjbottles has visited TikiCat.

August 9, 2017, 3:45 PM

Incredible atmosphere. Great drinks. The full Tiki Experience.

Truxton

Truxton has visited TikiCat.

August 9, 2017, 3:27 PM

Excellent escape from the Midwest. Chill vibe with great music, drink selection and atmosphere.

Tiki Pants

Tiki Pants has visited TikiCat.

July 30, 2017, 5:11 PM

Spent two nights at Tikicat and was extremely impressed. Went all the way from California and it was so worth it. The staff, Marc, Mai-ven, Puka Pumba and the hostess couldn't have been more welcoming. Bamboo Ben did a great job on the interior and it feels like a classic tiki bar. The drinks were well balanced, exotica music playing and fun atmosphere. Met some local tikiphiles who were very proud of what Tikicat has become. No matter what weather you experience in KC, Tikicat will make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise.

mokantiki

mokantiki is a regular at TikiCat, and is usually there At opening weekdays.

July 5, 2017, 11:46 AM

An excellent tiki bar that could easily take on the best in the country. Eclectic, vintage furniture to lounge on, a fantastic drink menu developed by Martin Cate, interior designed by Bamboo Ben, a friendly and engaging staff and a nice mix of slow and moody exotic and faster surf rock and even some punk mixed in to the soundtrack for your evening. For large groups there are some intimate hut seating away from the bar. There's not too much room so on weekends I would suggest reservations, but you can always chance it if you just want bar seating. There is no outside food allowed into the bar, so make sure to dine either in HopCat or elsewhere before or after, preferably before as you may not want to leave once to get there and have your first of many drinks!

Rikitiki

April 28, 2017, 8:31 PM

holy moly bloody awesome !! its on the list to visit on our up coming (2nd) USA tour feb/march 2018 !!

DWoodr4234

DWoodr4234 is a semi-regular at TikiCat.

April 14, 2017, 10:25 AM

Firstly, you have to* want* to go to TikiCat - it's "down the stairs, around the corner, around the other corner, ring the buzzer" - like a private club.

Once inside, TikiCat is your Polynesian Oasis in the city. The decor is is floor to ceiling - and including the floor and ceiling - 100% tiki dream!

Right now it's pretty packed, and I'd suggest reservations. There are cool seating areas with vintage chairs and sofa that are perfect for groups of 4-5 - definitely where I'll go next time.

And the drinks! Yes! The drinks! Cultivating recipes from traditional tiki culture, in my experience they nailed the Mai-Tai and the Zombi - had a great mix of rums and fresh juices. TikiCat also has their own drinks - the "Riffs" - and more than one person really enjoyed the 'Tradewinds' - made with coconut and apricot.

Bamboo Ben

March 30, 2017, 6:52 PM

Gonna be good. Trust me.

Articles about TikiCat in Critiki News

Regulars and Visitors of TikiCat

Regulars

People who go to TikiCat at least a few times a month.

• AtomicToby
  Wednesdays
• Tiki Bart
  Weds or Thursdays
• mokantiki
  At opening weekdays
• TikiCatKC
  Most days
• DevynBeth
  Early evening is best for me
• Geoff_lundy
• tonhozi
  Wednesdays
• TropicAmber
  Early on weeknights
• Hunter.lewis
  Every weekend!

Semi-Regulars

People who go to TikiCat at least a few times a year.

• 
  Tiki Momo
• 
  Riddick
• 
  DWoodr4234
• 
  Tikibaz
• 
  Lucy Diamond Tiki
• 
  Garrlicbread
• 
  Belugasaurus
• 
  MoTiki
• 
  TikiElee
• 
  roa_ae_ryan
• 
  Tongku
• 
  BronLiquorBetty
• 
  Tikipugs
• 
  RockChalkTikiHawk
• 
  Sonicstimuli

Visitors

People who have been to TikiCat at least once.

• 
  Quince at Dannys
• 
  zoot91
• 
  xtsnpatx
• 
  croe67
• 
  Kuai Craig
• 
  gooneybird
• 
  ridric
• 
  aprilcentauri
• 
  tattooeddrumguy
• 
  Textiki
• 
  atomicginger
• 
  Cheap bastard
• 
  Tiki Chi
• 
  tikiglees
• 
  steve hammons
• 
  Tiki Pants
• 
  KukePuluke
• 
  JimNeumayer
• 
  Schwafish
• 
  TikiPalace
• 
  davidphantomatic
• 
  Lknatcal
• 
  rachel
• 
  abacab
• 
  SomedaySewing
• 
  Wolftiki
• 
  kylelankford
• 
  Princess DawnTiki
• 
  AmandaAnne
• 
  Creepykate
• 
  dominodamsel
• 
  BaliHaiBrad
• 
  twocaledonias
• 
  BeccaSchmecca
• 
  ShangrilaPiranha
• 
  HinaKaluua
• 
  funkentelechy
• 
  Mnchuck
• 
  tabootreehouse
• 
  migsology
• 
  craigbestjr
• 
  Hexi Lee Voodoo
• 
  rwallmeier
• 
  Uapu'uwai
• 
  StrangeLibations
• 
  slowman
• 
  Madame Berlin
• 
  AWESOM-O
• 
  Missmaelaroux
• 
  Kimmy Ann
• 
  paigeafterpaige
• 
  Perfessor
• 
  Hahai
• 
  Funkthulhu
• 
  sannydamet
• 
  SuperBigChief
• 
  Midwest Tiki
• 
  Tommy D
• 
  Truxton
• 
  tjbottles
• 
  natecreed
• 
  MissDiLovely
• 
  tikitami
• 
  WaltersTOI
• 
  Tikichuck
• 
  jotiki
• 
  DebP
• 
  sangsterrific
• 
  lbshek
• 
  SteelKel
• 
  Jenna
• 
  ladybird_gem
• 
  neanderthal85
• 
  Nkalda
• 
  ApeMummy
• 
  Nancifer
• 
  mable31
• 
  KariRyan
• 
  Demerara24
• 
  ladyandguy
• 
  The Mortal Remains
• 
  Burnt Ends
• 
  BarnztheTiki
• 
  AshbytheC
• 
  Rumandbones
• 
  TikiRyne
• 
  virtualpender
• 
  Yacaboo
• 
  58_Esquire
• 
  traderjosh
• 
  TikiDucks
• 
  Ualani
• 
  TheFuzzyMusk
• 
  papawolfe
• 
  TikiLizzy
• 
  brunDMC
• 
  Popoki
• 
  tikidonk
• 
  SanDiegoMystic
• 
  Brad
• 
  Valtiki
• 
  Kona Coffee
• 
  Tikitikitiki
• 
  treit
• 
  TikiTiny
• 
  austiki
• 
  dandolista
• 
  bzb
• 
  C-ki Tiki
• 
  ScubaRoberta
• 
  Tikiseekee
• 
  SugaKane
• 
  VinnieDuber
• 
  TikiFashia
• 
  Phischy
• 
  Swinggrrl