The Lucky Tiki is a new tiki bar that has been generating buzz for months so we decided to see if the hype was worth it. It is folks, it is.
Located upstairs from Tail o’ the Pup in West Hollywood and run by 1933 Group (Formosa Cafe, et. al.), this small tiki bar requires reservations that include the instructions on how to enter, speakeasy style. There are a few seats at the bar, several two or four-top tables, and one booth that we were seated in for our party of five.
Hot Dogs can be ordered from Tail o’ the Pup downstairs, plus a few traditional tiki items, though note that if you want mustard or ketchup that you have to indicate that on the order. I had the Lucky Tiki Pop with a glaze sauce and pineapple that was delicious.
Most cocktails have a unique garnish or presentation, such as the Old Fashioned that’s presented from a smoke-filled box or the Ghost of Jim Morrison where thyme is set on fire. We thought the cocktails were very good, definitely not for hardcore craft cocktail nerds but more than adequate for folks looking for a fun time. Mrs. Mai Tai loved her Elvis in Hawaii that uses Peanut Butter Whiskey and a jelly-like Cabernet float. The Captain’s Inner Circle is their Navy Grog riff.
The Mai Tai uses Flor de Cana 15 aged in sea-soaked barrels. We tasted the rum neat and there’s a bold saline flavor that’s just hinted at in the cocktail. It’s perfectly fine for this venue, but I challenged Skipper Christian Diaz (ex-Trader Sam’s) who was working to come up with an “impress me” Mai Tai and he absolutely killed it with an amazing one that used Planteray Fiji and Xaymaca, plus Smith & Cross rum. Mahalo!
Our service throughout was top-notch, very friendly and responsive to our repeated drink orders. Thanks to David and team. The decor and lighting is gorgeous and music is just want you want in a good tiki bar, relaxing and retro. Lucky Tiki has merch available and really lived up to the hype. Check it out.
