Month: February 2024

We missed the opening of Stray Pirate by a week on our last visit and were glad we made it this time. This is a tiki-inspired bar with a stray dog/pirate theme. The dogs are pirates and you are in the hold of the ship, a fun variant of the nautical themed bars that seem to be popping up everywhere lately. Technically no tikis but you probably won’t miss them even if you’re a fan of the tiki bar genre.

There are plenty of spaces to hang out, thanks to the large bar one side, large tables on the other, and small tables running through the middle. A couple immersive booths are at one end and a photo spot on the other end near the restrooms. The decor includes “underwater” screens and lots of thematic paintings of pirate dogs. We loved the vibe inside and totally felt relaxed. The location in Vegas’ Arts District means you can browse eclectic shops before or after your visit and even do some bar hopping if that’s your thing.

The Stray Pirate cocktail menu is very small but I’m pleased to report their Mai Tai with Jamaica and Martinique rums is fantastic. The rums aren’t aged much, if at all, but the flavor of the Mai Tai is full bodied with a long finish. Mrs. Mai Tai’s Get It Kraken was a fantastic blend of Cachaca and coconut, and they have a respectable selection of premium rums and other spirits.

Stray Pirate is a fun bar with an immersive theme and great cocktails. It’s another great destination in Las Vegas.

This “tiki bar” in front of Horseshoe (ex-Bally’s) is seemingly permanently closed.

Second photo was in November 2021 when I had a mediocre off-menu Mai Tai. That’s right, a tiki bar didn’t have the Mai Tai on the menu — and now it’s closed. Coincidence? I think not.

Thankfully Vegas has a lot better cocktail and tiki bar options than this.

We were in Vegas with tiki newbies and they wanted to try a tiki bar. My initial opinion was backed up by an overwhelming result on an IG Stories poll so we went to The Golden Tiki. We had checked the day before and they had reservations free for seemingly every time slot but when we arrived we were told it was standing room only at the bar. This seemed disappointing and with a little pleading we got seated because I’m guessing someone missed their noon reservation. It does appear that reservations should be strongly considered for any visit here with a group of more than two.

There are some nice brunch items, including waffles and several really great breakfast burritos. Our server was great at working with our entire party.

Drinks were better than last time. My Blue Lagoon was pretty good and I found the Mai Tai to be better than last time too; I really wish they’d switch from Giffard Orgeat, which I find somewhat unpleasant. I also had a nice side of Smith & Cross rum and when our friend asked for a 151 shot to float it was a Demerara 151, better than something like Cruzan 151. Our cocktails were all prepared well.

The venue is a feast for the eyes and our friends loved all the little touches (including the risqué ones in the restroom). A DJ was playing Yacht Rock and even took a couple requests.   A good time was had by all.