As with 2024 we had so many great Mai Tais that many of them would have been deep into the top 10 in past years and this year couldn’t crack the top 10. But they’re nonetheless worth noting and we thank the bartenders and bar owners for making these stellar Mai Tais.
For this list the rating is solely about what’s in the glass and does not factor in other elements such as ambiance, food, service, or decor.
Some of the Mai Tais involve rum substitutions from what the bar would normally serve. This presents the reader with more to consider when visiting these places, but highlights that making spirit substitutions is often what changes a good Mai Tai into a great one.
View the Complete List of Top Mai Tais of 2025
Rest of the Top 25
11. “Punchy Mai Tai” at Club 33
12. Appleton 17 at Wilfred’s Lounge
13. Nightcaps at Rosetta
14. Matiki
15. Frozen Mai Tai at Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar
16. Now that’s a fucking Mai Tai at Little Hill Lounge
17. Original Mai Tai at Mai Tai Day Trader Vic’s Emeryville
18. Mata Hari Bar
19. Pagan Idol
20. Okole’ Maluna Mai Tai at Da Tiki Hut
21. Bitter Mai Tai at Strong Water Anaheim
22. Menehune Juice at Trader Vic’s Munich
23. Boo Loo Lounge
24. Tai Gam at Wilfred’s Lounge
25. Mai Tai with Rhum Traditionnel from Mike Hooker
Just Missed:
Ultimate Mai Tai at Tiki Tom’s
Pusser’s Bar
Dublin Tai at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Haole Tai at Wilfred’s Lounge
Passion Tai at Trader Vic’s Emeryville
Rumba
Rex’s Mai Tai at Pearl’s Hideaway
Frozen Mai Tai at Trader Vic’s Mai Tai Day
Trader Vic’s San Jose Airport
Trader Vic’s Munich
Tiki Tom’s Mai Tai
Trader Sam’s with Appleton 12
Mai Tai with Jamaica Rum at Alex Lounge and Bar
Ultra Chill Mai Tai at Bahama Breeze
Hula Hoops
Clarified Ultimate Mai Tai by DJ Ship Rex
China Live
Mai Tai with Kō Hana Rum at PCH
Reserve Mai Tai at False Idol
Dave’s Special Mai Tai at Lucky Tiki
Clifton’s Pacific Seas
Honorable Mentions:
District San Jose, Fog Harbor Fish House, The Tonga Room, Luau Lounge 1944 Mai Tai