What MAKES a Tiki Bar?
Okay Tiki Bar patrons, I'm looking for the quintessential makeup of a Tiki Bar.
In ten things or less, what HAS to be there to make an establishment a Tiki Bar?
What keeps the vibes intact for the visitors who perchance upon a palace of Tiki?
What ingredients are used to embrace the spirit of Tiki?
I turn to you, the wisest of the knowledgeable, the consumers of the finest libations, the fine people who turn to the amazing likes of Lala, Johnny Johnny, & of course, Doctor Tiki!
Allow this wisdom to flow forth, that we may know a good thing when we see it!
Mahalo
Replies to This Topic
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Permalink Reply by Sir Niuhi-Nose TBE on -
I think all you really need is an Aloha Spirit...and a drink to make it a bar...all the trappings are bonuses!
Even a bad bartender can't ruin a Tiki Bar, only the drink.
Have you ever been to a place and had a Great time just because the people were cool, you don't care what your drinking or eating...your just having a Tiki Experience!
O.K. I'm going out and hug a Plumeria!
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Permalink Reply by Chippy on -
A wise person told me, Tiki bars should always be filled with A) Fun, B) drinks, and C) friends.
Mugs and and some nice music are always plus too.
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Permalink Reply by Buckaroo on -
Thanks Taqwa!
Taqwa said:*Don't say 'a bar'. Don't say 'a bar'. Don't say 'a bar'.*
Uhh..
A bar?
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Permalink Reply by Annihalator James on -
A dude in a grass skirt.
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Permalink Reply by Buckaroo on
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All of this helps, really. I keep pondering the idea with a few friends about opening one. Mainly so we don't have to drive as far to get to one.
More 'scientific' observations please!
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Permalink Reply by Sir Niuhi-Nose TBE on
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More 'scientific' observations please!...O.K. then...
1. Junk...I like a lot of stuff to look at (Tikis--Surf stuff--Retro posters--Porcupine fish lights--etc.)
2. Something to identify it...Cool name--Logo-Mascot.
3. Something unique...ones I remember...Lots of fish tanks--Live Mermaids--Luau night--Hula dancers-etc.
4. Tapas or bar food
5. Easily accessible bar
6. One or Two Private party rooms
7. Cozy booths
8. A well stocked bar
9. Music...Lounge--Tiki--Surf.
10. Free Drinks for Me.
Oh! and the most important thing that you can not possibly do without...Oops! sorry you said 10 or less... Nevermind!
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Permalink Reply by Captnkirk on -
There are really only a few things you need for a tiki bar.
A Bar A well stocked bar capable a mixing a huge variety of cocktails. Get a nice assortment of tiki bar guides and practice on your friends until you can make all the great tiki cocktails. Then try some of the not so great cocktails, try em all and let all your drunken friends determine what is great.
Tikis You may have the most well stocked bar, more cocktails than the Drinkbot™ but unless you have a tiki you don't have a tiki bar, you have a "tropical bar" or a "Caribbean bar".
All the other stuff is great and you should have it, but it is optional.
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Permalink Reply by Annihalator James on
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1. Bamboo/rattan furnishings
2. All food should include some sort of on-table combustion.
3. Tropical fruit for the drinks.
4. Rum.
5. A picture of the cast of Gilligan's Island (framed in Bamboo (See point 1), preferably autographed).
6. Rum! No Whisk(e)y, Vodka, Trillium Absinthe (Made in Portland, OR, available in Chicago, so buy some!), Tequila, etc.). Send all of that stuff to me.
7. Bartender should wear a random t-shirt that was given to him by a yotty passing through. Something like 'Lester's Sneaker Factory Outlet' or something that's supposed to look like it's Chinese, but reads 'Trousers shoe'.
8. Figure out a way to make it a bit muggy, especially at sunset.
9. A dude in a grass skirt.
10. A (different) dude telling people how cute his wife is in those jeans, and his wife, who DOES look cute in those jeans.
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Permalink Reply by Buckaroo on
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These are the kinds of things that are vastly important to me! Keep them coming.
What about making one's own Rum?
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Permalink Reply by Captnkirk on
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Buckaroo said:
What about making one's own Rum?
In my country that's a way to get put behind bars, not enhance your tiki bar.
I like good home flavored rums, but I leave the distilling to the experts.
Instead of pineapple flavored rum in advance, try mixing that same drink with fresh pineapple and rum. It might be a little more work but the people drinking the drinks will appreciate it.
© 2012 Created by Doctor Tiki.
