15 must

Aug 02, 2023

Tiki bars, despite their purported Polynesian roots, are as California as the Gold Rush and boogie boards. Stepping inside one is being part of Golden State history. After Trader Vic’s opened its first place in Oakland in 1934, these maximalist odes to tropical-drink frivolity have endured the sands of time when other once-popular themed bars flew too close to the sun. (Remember the rash of swing joints in the late ’90s after “Swingers” came out?) Which isn’t to say Tiki bars have got off scot-free; a critical lens in recent years has shed light on the genre’s troublesome themes of indigenous exoticism and colonial nostalgia.

But Tiki bars have also added much to the cocktail canon, acting as hubs of mixology innovation by concocting such mainstays as the mai tai and the fogcutter. Modern Tiki spots have even moved toward more nautical décor as thematic center points. Here’s our guide to the best Tiki bars around Southern California

Tonga Hut

12808 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood; 818-769-0708, tongahut.com; Hours: 4 p.m.-midnight Tuesday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday; 2 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday; 2 p.m.-midnight Sunday.

Though from the street the highly decorated Tiki bar may appear to be closed, guests actually enter through the back. It’s a party on the patio, too, which has a big Polynesian island vibe, and there’s one heck of a Tiki bash going on inside. Tonga Hut opened in 1958 and is the oldest tiki bar in Los Angeles. Though the patio is nice, you’ll want to score a bar stool or booth inside to fully soak in the ambiance. The dimly lit bar has a fireplace, velvet paintings, Tiki fountains and a few communal couches to gather with friends. It fills up quickly, so call in advance to make a reservation to snag a spot inside.

Bartender Ian Yarborough makes a Scorpion drink with orgeat and exotic juices at the Tonga Hut Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Some of the unique decor at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

A Magnum P.I. mug belonging to a long time customer at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Manager Elizabeth Relles of the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Manager Elizabeth Relles of the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Some of the mugs that belong to long time customers and merchandise for sale at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Loyal order of the Drooling bastards in order to join you must drink every drink listed in Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log (at your own pace, but within a year’s time) and you are rewarded with a plaque to commemorate on the wall as the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Bartender Ian Yarborough makes a Scorpion drink with orgeat and exotic juices at the Tonga Hut Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Some of the unique decor at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Some of the unique decor at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Bartender Ian Yarborough at the Tonga Hut Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Bartender Ian Yarborough makes a Scorpion drink with orgeat and exotic juices at the Tonga Hut Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Outside seating at the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Loyal order of the Drooling bastards in order to join you must drink every drink listed in Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log (at your own pace, but within a year’s time) and you are rewarded with a plaque to commemorate on the wall as the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Loyal order of the Drooling bastards in order to join you must drink every drink listed in Beachbum Berry’s Grog Log (at your own pace, but within a year’s time) and you are rewarded with a plaque to commemorate on the wall as the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

People wait to be seated at the Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Outside seating at the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Outside seating at the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The Tonga Hut is Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

Summer cocktail menu at the Tonga Hut, Los Angeles oldest tiki bar established in 1958 along Victory Blvd. in Valley Glen on Saturday, July 22, 2023. (Photo by Keith Birmingham, Pasadena Star-News/ SCNG)

The service is quick and the bartenders are expert-level at making Tiki drinks that aren’t too overly sweet, but pack a mean punch. Start with the Zombie, made with white and dark rums and a bit of spice. Tonga Hut is also a popular local hang and the regulars like to drink. Many of them have taken on the drinking challenge that involves trying every Tiki cocktail in the book called “The Grog Log.” With nearly 80 drinks in the book, people have one year to drink them all and they’ll get their name on the wall under a sign that reads “Loyal Order of the Drooling Bastard.”

Kahuna Tiki Tu

12600 Riverside Drive, Valley Village; 818-452-9600; instagram.com/kahunatikitu; Hours: 4-10 p.m. daily (hours may vary)

Kahuna Tiki Tu is not just a traditional Tiki bar, it’s also a legit sushi spot located adjacent to the Mikado Hotel. The Tiki and sushi elements can also be enjoyed separately, so guests wanting a more traditional sushi experience can head straight into the restaurant.

Inside the Kahuna Tiki Tu, there’s plenty of Tiki décor with traditional masks and booths located under bamboo-framed canopies. The bar is the sister location to Kahuna Tiki in North Hollywood, but while the original location has a limited liquor license and makes cocktails with sake and soju, this space has full liquor. Try traditional drinks like the Majestic Mai Tai or more original libations like the Mystic Mayan, which is made with mezcal, pineapple juice, pepper and muddled blueberries. And make sure to order food too, like the fried clams or the Poutine, which is topped by Kalua pork, a Hawaiian specialty. The venue also hosts karaoke, live music and burlesque on select evenings.

Tiki No

4657 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood; 818-766-0116; tikinola.com; 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday-Thursday; 6 p.m.- 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

This is exactly what most picture when they think about a Tiki bar in Los Angeles. It’s all done up, with a bamboo-lined bar and walls, hanging straw on the hut-style booths and Tiki idols and colorful puffer fish lamps all over the place.

The real crowd-pleaser here is the Scorpion Bowl. It’s a big rum punch bowl made to share that includes Jamaican, gold and silver rum plus all sorts of fruit juices served in a volcano bowl. The middle of the bowl is set on fire as it’s served for extra flair. That’s not the only drink that gets lit at Tiki No. Try the Toasted Marshmallow. It’s made with rum, vodka, cinnamon, apple and lemon juice. The marshmallow is set on fire when it’s served, so watch your nose hairs before you down it.

Bamboo Club

3522 E Anaheim St., Long Beach; 562-343-2534; bambooclublb.com; 11 a.m.-midnight Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m.- 2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday.

This Long Beach spot was designed by Bamboo Ben Bassham, a third-generation Tiki builder who is responsible for famous Tiki bars throughout the U.S. It has a true tropical island feel thanks to indoor water fountains, hand-carved Tiki sculptures, tropical wall murals and a bamboo-lined bar set under a straw hut ceiling. It’s also a popular spot for music, with live bands and DJs performing after dark.

The Bamboo Club in Long Beach was designed by Bamboo Ben Bassham, a third-generation tiki builder who is responsible for famous Tiki bars throughout the U.S. (Photo courtesy Bamboo Club)

Cocktails served at the Bamboo Club in Long Beach include, from left, Painkiller, Puka Punch, Plantation Pineapple Rum, Blue Hawaii and a Mai Tai. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

The Bamboo Club is a Tiki Bar and restaurant on Anaheim Street in Long Beach. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

A loco moco is served with a painkiller cocktail at the Bamboo Club in Long Beach. (Photo by Brittany Murray, Press-Telegram/SCNG)

The Bamboo Club in Long Beach serves traditional tropical cocktails such as Mai Tais and Zombies as well as “new classics.” (Photo courtesy Bamboo Club)

The Bamboo Club will be celebrating four years of bringing the Tiki vibes to Long Beach with a weekend party April 28-30. (Photo courtesy Bamboo Club)

Bamboo Club serves classic drinks like Mai Tais and Zombies. But they also have “new classics” on the menu, which include the River Dragon, made with Ming River Sichuan peppercorn and Thai chili infused Baijiu, plus white rum, lime and passion fruit. Or for a really good time, try a little Slap and Tickle. The ingredients for this drink include Cutwater rye whiskey, St. Croix rum and passionfruit. Bamboo Club also offers a full menu with Polynesian and Asian inspired dishes. If you’re really hungry, order the Loco Moco and sink your teeth into a beef patty topped with house-made gravy and a fried egg.

For more, see: How to create your own distinctive tiki bar

The Lost Inferno

425 N. El Camino Real, San Clemente; thelostinferno.com; 5 -11 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday, 3 p.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday, 5-10 p.m. Sunday

This tucked-away San Clemente tiki bar derives its name — and decor — from The Inferno, aka the pirate ship of One-Eyed Willy in the 1985 teen-adventure romp “The Goonies”. The cocktail menu includes Goonies-esque libations like the Never Say Die (with Amoras Mezcal, kiwi, lemon and mango, and anointed with grilled pineapple), the Hey, You Guys (bourbon, blueberry maple syrup, lemon, basil, and egg white foam), and, of course, the Truffle Shuffle (brandy, Mahina dark rum, caramel, banana, and ice cream) in honor of the admittedly crass dance Chunk was forced to perform.

Bamboo Ben, (the designer who created interiors for Stowaway, Tiki Tom’s and Kona Club, to name a few) decked out the space with floor-to-ceiling dark wood beams, rattan-topped bar stools, and mooring lines dangling from the beamed ceiling. All of it hidden behind a wall that looks like a ship. Note: On the first Sunday of each month, the Lost Inferno hosts a two-and-a-half-hour magic show. Although the Lost Inferno doesn’t have a set list of rules, they do ask that guests wear proper clothing, take phone calls outside and refrain from standing on the bar or switching seats (with drinks lit ablaze and oversize Tiki mugs, it’s for your safety). Following the seafaring merriment, guests can head upstairs to the bar’s sister space, Momoku No Usagi, a sushi/cocktail speakeasy.

Royal Hawaiian

331 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach; 949-549-4354; royalhawaiianoc.com; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Friday-Saturday

First opening in 1947, the Royal Hawaiian, billed as one of California’s oldest Tiki bars, closed in 2016. A few years later, after an ownership change and massive renovation, the Laguna Beach institution returned in June of this year in spectacular fashion.

The Royal Hawaiian cocktail at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023 features Appleton Gold rum, Hamilton Jamaican black pot still rum, and a pineapple wedge. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Patrons enjoy drinks at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Candace McKay of Seattle sips on a drink at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Patrons enjoy drinks at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A flame burns on top of The Triple Happiness cocktail at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023 features El Tesoro Blanco Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mexcal, cherry heering and pineapple honey syrup and prepared in a skull bowl with dry ice. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Patrons enjoy drinks at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Patrons enjoy drinks at the bar at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bartender Josh Rodriquez prepares the Royal Hawaiian signature drink, the Chief Lapu Lapu cocktail at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The drink, made famous in 1947 by the original co-founder, Francis Cabang, features a mix of Hamilton light and dar rums, passion fruit and orange juice. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Bartender Josh Rodriquez lights a flame to top-off the Chief Lapu Lapu cocktail at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The drink, created by the original co-founder in 1947 Francis Cabang, features a mix of Hamilton light and dar rums, passion fruit and orange juice. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Candace McKay of Seattle, left, sits in a giant sea shell in the entrance to the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The dinning room at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

This Tiki mask hanging in the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023 was from from the original 1947 Tiki bar. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The main entrance at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

A starfish lantern hangs in the main entrance at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The grilled ribeye with teriyaki and crispy onion at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The curry pineapple rice at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023 features Portuguese sausage and shrimp with jasmine rice, curry, peas and scallions served in a pineapple. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The PuPu platter at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Huli-Huli half bird inasal at the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach on Thursday, July 20, 2023 features marinated grilled boneless half chicken, with mac and cheese, rice. The Royal Hawaiian is on the list of the “Best Tiki Bars in Orange County.” (Photo by Leonard Ortiz, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Steering the cocktail ship is Dushan Zarić, co-founder of Employees Only and author of “Speakeasy: The Employees Only Guide to Classic Cocktails,” as bar director. On a double-sided menu, he’s kept eight of the original cocktail menu’s staples, like the venerable Mai Tai, which comes with a keepsake glass, and the Chief Lapu Lapu, a passionfruit-and-rum libation lit ablaze once it arrives at your table. The timeless staples join eight new contemporary concoctions like the Dragon’s Milk, made of pandan leaf syrup, young coconut puree, green tea vodka and pineapple rum, and the Bali Bali, a two-person beverage featuring Virgin Island light and Jamaican dark rums, gin, Pierre Ferrand 1840 brandy, citrus juice galore, and Falernum.

Designer Ignacio “Notch” Gonzales, who created spaces like Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco and Inside Passage in Seattle, helmed the Royal Hawaiian’s new look. Guests can look forward to a visual sensory feast that includes palapa thatches dangling from the ceiling, lantern-shaped light fixtures, a tropical fish-filled aquarium, and booths decorated with jade tiles.

Strong Water

270 S Clementine Street, Anaheim; 714-829-4060; strongwateranaheim.com; 5-11 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 5 p.m.-midnight Thursday-Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Sunday

This fully immersive bar experience, meant to mimic walking through the cabin of the Clementine, a fictional treasure ship from 1884, made quite the splash when it first hit the scene in 2019. Inarguably a Tiki bar — you will find tiki masks and flower-topped drinks galore — Strong Water’s primary theme is nautical. Dark plank wood grace the walls, a curved beamed ceiling forms a canopy over the space, and other seafaring ornaments and doodads can be found throughout the space, from the bathrooms to the main entrance. A crystal chandelier dangling above the bar provides perfect contrast to the dark settings.

But the main draw here are the drinks: the menu features a rum section that includes a 15 cocktails, including the Missionary’s Downfall, a potent concoction made of 3-year-aged rum, French pear liqueur, lime, peach bitters, and mint; the Cobra’s Fang featuring two types of rum, falernum, lime, orange oleo, bitters. and absinthe; and a ye olde classic Mai Tai made of Demerara and Jamaican rums, dry curacao, and orgeat. While forcing your liver to walk the plank, be sure to soak up some of your brews with dishes by executive chef/galley master Steve Kling, like pork belly fried rice and spicy passion fruit-glazed chicken wings. Reservations required for indoor seating. Outdoor seating available for ages 18 to 21. Word to the wise: “We are not a pirate bar,” Strong Water stresses on its website. In other words, take the Captain Jack Sparrow shtick elsewhere, Pirates of the Caribbean cosplayers.

Stowaway

14401 Newport Avenue, Tustin; 657-208-2088; stowawaytiki.com; 5-11 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-midnight(ish), Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Fans of Leonard Chan and Dominic Iapello’s original Stowaway breathed a sigh of relief when, after having to leave the Union Market at the District in Tustin, through no fault of their own, they found a new home in May, just a few miles from their former digs. The new place is much larger but no less whimsical, with décor designed by Bamboo Ben who decked out Stowaway with midcentury Tiki charm.

Here you’ll find grog aplenty, including the Dragon Lady made with white rum, lime, dragon fruit, and lemongrass; Smoking Rita, a blend of mezcal, grilled pineapple, lemon, and agave; and a staggering 100 rums from around the world. Do not miss out on booze-infused Dole Whips. Stowaway also features some seriously tasty grub like the katsu kare (panko-battered chicken), Spam nachos, or soft-shell crab sandwiches.

Trader Sam’s

1150 Magic Way, Anaheim, Disneyland Hotel; 714-781-4636; 11:30 a.m.-11:55 p.m., seven days a week

While we cannot confidently recommend the food at this Disneyland Hotel spot — Orange County Register food critic Brad Johnson pulled zero punches in his 2016 review, opining that “the food is wretched. The pineapple burger is nasty, with a bun that tastes like industrial plastic and cheese that doesn’t melt. The pu pu platter should be called simply ‘poo.’” — it is a choice place to go if you’re looking to get lit up with fruity umbrella drinks within close proximity to the most magical place on earth.

The décor at Trader Sam’s is a feast for the eyes and inspired by the Enchanted Tiki Room at Disneyland. (Photo by Joshua Sudock, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Jungle Cruise-inspired Trader Sam’s bar is a popular night spot at The Disneyland Hotel. (Photo by Joshua Sudock, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Passion fruit juice puts out the flames of this Uh Oa! cocktail. Light and dark rums, orange, guava, pineapple, grapefruit juice, falernum (sweet tropical syrup), cinnamon, cherries with fresh lime juice is popular at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. (Photo by Cindy Yamakaka, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Reserve and aged rums, tropical juices, falernum (sweet tropical syrup) and cinnamon are aglow in this Shrunken Zombie Head cocktail served at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Uh Oa! Polynesian is a flaming cocktail big enough for four. The corners house cinnamon and the holes for straws are on each side of this social drink served at Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. (Photo by Cindy Yamanaka, Orange County Register/SCNG)

The Tiki bar is also a feast for the eyes, echoing Disneyland’s famous Enchanted Tiki Room (including similar carved Tiki figures with moving eyes flanking the bar). Another bonus? No one under 21 years of age is allowed after 8 p.m.

For related, see: How Disneyland influenced Tiki culture

The Twisted Tiki

515 N. Main St., Santa Ana (inside McFadden Public Market); mcfaddenmarket.com/the-twisted-tiki; 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Sunday

Hawaiian native Mana Manasas opened his Tiki speakeasy inside McFadden’s Public Market in 2019. Since then, it’s gained a loyal following due to the bar’s tropical flair (the walls are decked out in bamboo with rattan seating found throughout the space) and potent cocktails. Cocktail highlights include the Kilauea, an Absolut Mango-and-pineapple shared drink that comes in a bowl with dry ice and volcanic flame, and the King Kamehameha, named after the first ruler to unite the Hawaiian islands, a caipirinha with a touch of ghost pepper. No reservations required; come as you are.

There isn’t much Tiki action in the Inland Empire with the exception of Palm Springs. The desert city has become a bastion of midcentury modern architecture, and with it the exotica of the 1950s and ‘60s. You can not only drink in the atmosphere and drink 1934 Zombies, you can sleep in a couple of tropical resorts.

Bootlegger Tiki

1101 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-318-4154; bootleggertiki.com; 3-11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 3 p.m.1 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

This restaurant is where a Don the Beachcomber restaurant opened in 1953, and according to its website it carries the tiki torch tradition. Original drinks include Tiki Sake, made with sake, and classics include Mai Tais and Zombies. Reservations are recommended, with bookings for one- or two-hour time slots, and deposits are $30 for tables and $60 for booths, according to the website. Customers must be 21 or older.

Lone Palm Pool Bar

1600 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-327-8311; margaritavilleresorts.com; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

This thatched tiki bar is poolside at the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. It used to be the Riviera Palm Springs,, built in the 1950s and although it has been made over into a Jimmy Buffett fantasy it retains its midcentury modern look. There are several other places to eat and drink frozen concoctions in the 16-acre property, including the resort chain’s first Come Monday restaurant, which serves breakfast.

The Reef Palm Springs

411 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-656-3839; thereefpalmsprings.com; noon-10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday; noon-11 p.m. Thursday and Sunday; noon-midnight Friday and Saturday.

This bar was originally the Tropics, a Polynesian-themed motel that opened in 1964. The resort is now called Caliente Tropics, but retains its looks. The restaurant is a separate entity. Its food menu includes fish and chips, beer-battered shrimp and several burgers. The signature drink is the Treasure of Amadarita, featuring multiple rums. It goes for $14, but can be ordered in a “highly collectible mug” for $85.

Tonga Hut

254 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-322-4449; tongahut.com/palm-springs; 2-10 p.m. Tuesday; 7 p.m.-midnight Wednesday; 5 p.m.-midnight Thursday; 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday; 3 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday; 3-11 p.m. Sunday.

This lounge is a Coachella Valley outpost of the original in North Hollywood. The drink menu includes Tikitastic, a blend of rums and coconut water served in a fresh coconut for $20, plus such classics as Mai Tais and a 1934 Zombie for $15-$18. Food includes a $26 Pu Pu Platter with such options as coconut shrimp, potstickers, eggrolls, pork ribs, and beef or chicken skewers.

Toucans Tiki Lounge & Cabaret

2100 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs; 760-416-7584; toucanstikilounge.com; 8 p.m. to closing Thursday through Saturday; 7 p.m. to closing Sunday; 9 p.m. to closing Monday.

This place presents itself as a cabaret with drag shows rather than a tropical bar. Its website doesn’t have a food or cocktail menu, but it lists bottle service prices. Bottles run $60-$550 and come with the choice of mixers and garnishes.

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