Five Essential Places to Revel in the American Tiki-Bar Revival

Five Essential Places to Revel in the American Tiki-Bar Revival

Archipelago // Washington, D.C.

This may be the only bar that features a shrine to Tom Selleck. Surf tunes, bar stools carved like tiki gods, and old Elvis and Don Ho records on the wall round out the tongue-in-cheek tiki vibe, but make no mistake: The drinks are serious business. On balmy days, you’ll want to have your "Pineapple of Hospitality"—a rum drink for two served in a pineapple shell—outside on the relaxed corner patio. archipelagobardc.com

Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 // New Orleans

Located inside the French Quarter’s Bienville House hotel, Latitude 29 is like many a great New Orleans bar in that it feels like it’s from another era—the mid-20th-century, in this case. Instead of a sazerac, however, you’ll want one of Jeff "Beachbum" Berry’s new tiki-creations such as a Paniolo: Kentucky bourbon with macadamia-nut liqueur. latitude29nola.com

Lost Lake // Chicago

This is what a glamorous tiki bar in 1930s Hollywood must have felt like, save for the all-too-hip clientele drawn from the Logan Square neighborhood. After a few rum-heavy creations—such as the Stranger in Paradise made with a potent combination of rhum agricole, tequila and absinthe—you may start picturing the palm leaf wallpaper in your own home. lostlaketiki.com

Smuggler’s Cove // San Francisco

The exterior looks like a tax office, but on the inside, it’s a full-on pirate fantasy—a babbling brook, a giant anchor, lots of skulls and one of the most extensive rum collections in America. Opened in 2009, owner Martin Cate’s bar has been the nexus of the country’s tiki revival, and his new book, named after the bar, is just as essential for the tiki connoisseur. smugglerscovesf.com

Tiki Tabu // New York

This tiki pop-up watering hole on the rooftop of the SIXTY Lower East Side hotel has playfully stylish décor by designer Misha Kahn and incredible downtown views. But hurry. It closes at the end of September. sixtyhotels.com/lower-east-side —Kevin Sintumuang

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