News Summary
Las Vegas is celebrating 60 years of tiki culture, beginning with the iconic Aku Aku restaurant. The tiki scene continues to thrive with new venues like Frankie’s Tiki Room and events like The Golden Tiki’s 10th anniversary. Attendees can enjoy innovative cocktails and the lively atmosphere that defines Las Vegas’ tiki bars, marking a vibrant blend of nostalgia and modern tastes.
Las Vegas Celebrates 60 Years of Tiki Culture with a Nod to the Past
Las Vegas is home to a vibrant tiki culture that traces its roots back to January 29, 1960, with the opening of the Aku Aku Polynesian restaurant at the Stardust. This iconic venue played a pivotal role in establishing tiki’s popularity in the city and has become a significant milestone in local history. Despite a fire that forced its closure just three days after opening, the Aku Aku successfully reopened six weeks later and remained a staple for two decades.
Shortly after the Aku Aku‘s debut, tiki culture in Las Vegas expanded further when Donn Beach, known as the godfather of tiki, opened a branch of his iconic restaurant Don the Beachcomber at the Sahara in December 1962. This addition marked a significant moment in the growth of tiki culture within the city, adding to the colorful and lively drinking atmosphere that Las Vegas is known for.
More recently, interest in tiki culture experienced a resurgence with the opening of Frankie’s Tiki Room in 2008, created by owner P Moss. The venue has reintroduced traditional tiki themes, enhanced by a vibrant atmosphere and a uniquely curated drink menu. The signature drink at Frankie’s Tiki Room, the Demon Rhumba, is a complex cocktail that combines Bacardi Orange Rum, Hana Bay 151 proof rum, Cointreau, Fanta orange soda, orange bitters, lime juice, and mint leaves, all for $14.
Celebrations and Special Events
The tiki scene is gearing up for exciting festivities. The Golden Tiki is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a week-long series of special performances from August 20 to 26. Notably, the celebration will feature the making of the world’s largest zombie drink, showcasing the playful and inventive spirit of tiki culture. The anniversary cocktail, priced at $25, includes Rhum JM Golden tiki barrel pick, El Dorado 12-Year-Old rum, Bitter Truth Golden Falernum, and blends tropical flavors with pineapple and lime. A limited edition mug and anniversary coin set will also be available for collectors at $100.
Beverage options throughout Las Vegas’ tiki bars cater to different preferences and group sizes. Todo Bien Tiki Tequileria offers a cocktail named the Solar Flare, infused with stone fruits, available in various serving sizes priced at $17, $42, and $136 for one, two to three, or ten to twelve people, respectively. Meanwhile, the Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge serves drinks like Feelin’ Coconutty, featuring a blend of Captain Morgan, Banks 5 Island Rum, Kalani coconut liqueur, and other ingredients for $18.
Rich Design and Innovative Cocktails
Las Vegas tiki bars are known for their vibrant and kitschy decorations, often influenced by historical tiki aesthetics. Glitter Gulch Tiki is one such venue, featuring drinks like the Mai Hands Tai’d, which uses agricole rhum, Tanduay Rum Gold, and lilikoi passion fruit foam, again priced at $18. The design of Glitter Gulch Tiki was overseen by Bamboo Ben Bassham, a notable figure in tiki aesthetics and descendant of tiki innovator Eli Hedley, enhancing the thematic experience for patrons.
The Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge also delights guests with tropical drinks such as the Funky Monkey and Fire Dancer, which offer unique presentations and exciting flavor profiles. Tiki bars in Las Vegas serve as colorful hubs for live music, celebrations, and a blend of classic and contemporary tiki cocktails, securing the beloved genre’s place in the city’s entertainment landscape.
Conclusion
With a rich history dating back six decades, tiki culture in Las Vegas continues to thrive, fueled by a blend of nostalgia and innovation. Local establishments are committed to preserving this vibrant theme while also adapting it to modern tastes, ensuring that tiki remains a cherished part of the Las Vegas entertainment scene for many years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Review Journal: Talkin’ Tiki
- Time Out: The Golden Tiki
- Las Vegas Magazine: Golden Monkey Tiki Lounge
- Las Vegas Weekly: Readers’ Choice Best Chinatown Bar
- Kenny Chesney: Tiki Bars at Venetian Resort
- Wikipedia: Tiki Bar
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
