Los Angeles Tiki Bars
In the sunny land of Southern California where real palm trees tower over city streets, it's almost funny to see wacky thatched-roof bars decked out with fake palms made out of neon lights. Even in the hilarity, though, these beach themed joints are endearing, and it's not just the mind-boggling amount of tropical drinks that make them that way. There's something indefinably great about sitting in the middle of a big city in a bar where you feel like you're in Hawaii and Jimmy Buffet is king. There is no way define the crowd at Los Angeles tiki bars, since they are so ridiculously magnetic that they draw just about everyone through their front doors. At any given moment in an LA tiki bar, crunchy California hippies can be spotted mingling with the Hollywood elite and college students can be found chatting swapping stories with stockbrokers.
Lava Lounge
1533 La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.876.6612
That's not dried hay covering the walls, silly, it's just thatched! Island style chic takes over the Lava Lounge with thatched walls, tiki lanterns surrounding the bar, bamboo, and to really make it special, a whole lot of red vinyl. The 70's style Hollywood strip mall outside—as in that's when it was built and decorated—doesn't let on that this LA night spot is very cool, but once you're inside with a fruity cocktail in your hand, you'll be convinced it is. The tropical-themed bar is deceiving, but Sunday night's Kinky Karaoke and other nights of live performances make the Lava Lounge a Hollywood bar to visit.
Tiki-Ti
4427 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, California; Tel. 323.669.9381
It's hard to believe that 12 bar stools and a few tables have kept the Tiki-Ti bar open for more than 45 years, but then again, it is probably the only bar in Hollywood that has a menu with 86 tropical drinks. Focusing on their tropical concoctions, the bar draws hipsters and locals into the tiny location every night that it's open, which is only Wednesday to Saturday and only until half an hour past midnight. The Tiki-Ti is one of those bars that always makes you feel right at home even if you're in the heart of Los Angeles. For the men, make sure you're comfortable with your masculinity before you go to the Tiki-Ti to have a colorful drink with an umbrella and cocktail fruit.
