Tiki Star
9788 W. Northern Ave., #1400, Peoria Located at Park West in Peoria, Tiki Star is reminiscent of a beach bar in a Polynesian resort. There are grass thatched awnings, delicious fruit-forward cocktails in tiki mugs and friendly staff. Some of the signature tiki drinks include the Halo Halo which is based on the popular Filipino dessert and made with Brazilian and Filipino rums, ube, lime juice, coconut cream and pineapple juice, and the Port Light, a less sweet tiki creation made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice and grenadine.
For those with kiddos, there is a splash pad and small playground just outside the dog-friendly patio. The food menu at Tiki Star also provides something to pair with every tropical taste. There are multiple vegetarian options, such as the Tempura fried green beans and Togarashi spiced Brussels sprouts, many seafood options, burgers and salads.
Hula's Modern Tiki
Multiple locations Hula's Modern Tiki has several locations around the Valley. Inspired by the tiki bars that were popular in the '50s and '60s, the interiors have a mid-century feel while maintaining open, airy spaces that seamlessly adjoin to the outside. The food menu of Hula's is a fusion of flavors, drawing inspiration primarily from the Hawaiian islands with a touch of Jamaican influence. Guests can enjoy a variety of preparations of grilled or fried fish, as well as poke, chicken wings and sliders. Vegetarians will be happy to find menu items featuring tofu as well. Their drinks menu leans strongly into nostalgic rum-forward tiki sips, such as the classic Hula's Hurricane or Painkiller.
As an added bonus, on Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 6 p.m., guests can enjoy the intimate wood-paneled atmosphere and impeccably executed tiki drinks at The Captain's Cabin. Located immediately next to Hula's Uptown location, this speakeasy is helmed by renowned tiki mixologist David Muhlstein.
Bikini Lounge
1502 Grand Ave. The elder of all the drinking holes in this lineup, Bikini Lounge has been serving tropical libations in its cash-only space since 1947. Nestled next to Grand Avenue Records, the dimly lit dive bar offers respite from the heat. Drinks on the menu include classics such as a Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian or Scorpion, as well as the rum-based Mr. Howell made with coconut rum, spiced rum, mango puree, pineapple juice and sweet and sour mix, and the Kama' aina with gin, cream of coconut and lime juice. Visitors to Bikini Lounge can also enjoy inexpensive beer and a game of pool, but plan to eat first as they do not have a food menu.
While not a dedicated tiki bar, The Womak serves some outstanding tropical tipples.
Melissa Pickering
The Womack
5749 N. Seventh St. Though decidedly a jazz lounge, The Womack provides a cool and upbeat atmosphere with a few excellent tiki-inspired drinks on the menu. Guests can enjoy the thoughtfully designed outdoor patio with fans and misters, or sit inside the intimate lounge to immerse themselves in the sounds of local musical acts. Tiki inspiration is apparent in the Uptown Swizzle, a blend of Green Chartreuse, rum, lemon and pineapple served in a tiki glass and the Private Eyes, a refreshing and slightly sweet strawberry sipper.
Small bites include mixed olives, kettle chips with onion dip, deviled eggs, barbecue meatballs and a variety of loaded focaccia.
UnderTow
3626 E. Indian School Road3150 E. Ray Road, #184, Gilbert Head out to sea at this award-winning tiki bar in Arcadia and its second location in Gilbert. Guests will find themselves presented with a plethora of cocktails, beer, wine and non-alcoholic cocktails to enjoy while taking in UnderTow's immersive boat experience.
The far-flung beverage program explores different regions of the world in each drink. Patrons can enjoy the best of the Hawaiian islands in the Macadamia Nut Pina Colada, with macadamia nut-infused rum, coconut, lime and pineapple or explore the flavors of southeast Asia with the Slice of Paradise with rum, green banana, falernum, cream sherry, cocoa leaaf tincture, orgeat, yuzu, lemon and ube. Patrons are limited to 90 minutes per table and reservations are highly recommended.
