We’ve all seen one, whether it’s on TV, in a movie, or lucky enough to be in person. But what is a tiki bar and who started the idea?
Tiki bars in America are themed drinking establishments that serve mostly rum-based cocktails infused with fruit flavors like pineapple and coconut — most notably the Mai Tai and Zombie.
Mai Tai — The Mai Tai is a cocktail made with rum, Curaçao liqueur, orgeat syrup, and lime juice.
Zombie — On the other hand, the zombie is a bit more mysterious in nature, and doesn’t always have a set recipe. It is most often made with fruit juices and a mixture of different rums, and is named after the way you might walk after you’ve had too many.
Tiki bars are defined by their elaborate décor which is influenced by tropical cultures, most specifically Polynesian and Hawaiian culture. Some tiki bars also incorporate nautical themes (think Gilligan’s Island) and even old-school retro elements from the atomic age (1940’s and 50’s).
Many early Tiki Bars were attached to hotels (specifically in warmer climates) and were also used as the bar section at Asian restaurants. Although there are stand-alone Tiki bars, you can still find many across America, and especially the Midwest, that serve food and incorporate shows and Polynesian dancing into the evening.
So we’re taking a look at two of our own tiki bars, each with their own unique spin — Chef Shangri La and Hala Kahiki — that’ll leave you saying “aloha” for days.
The Experience
Almost 75 years ago, Rose and Stanley Sacharski decided they needed to make a change after working 15 years at their funeral home. Looking for something different, they decided to open up a bar — they called it, “The Lucky Start”.
And although it started as a neighborhood dive, after a makeover of bamboo poles and tropical décor, people started to flock. Eventually leading to their tagline “Our Bamboo Rendezvous”. It became so popular that they needed to find a better place for their new theme, and opened the River Grove location in 1964. And now lives Hala Kahiki Lounge, an amazing location that even has outdoor seating for those warmer days that can be paired with the perfect drink.
Upon entering the doors, you are truly transported to a tropical oasis and what even feels like another time. Which means your next step? Picking a cocktail.
Signature Cocktails
At Hala Kahiki, they take their cocktails seriously. So seriously, that their menu is divided into taste.
You can find drinks in the following categories, and we’ve picked one of our favorites under each for you to see, or maybe even try when you get there!
Sweet
If you’re going to come to Hala Kahiki, then why not try their signature drink named after the bar.
Hala Kahiki — The Hala Kahiki is a blend of two house favorite drinks – the Scorpion (which is tart) and the Zombie (which is sweet). The drink is mixed and topped with 151 Rum.
Not So Sweet
If sweet isn’t your thing, you can try one of their not so sweet drinks.
Captain's Revenge — The Captain’s Revenge is made with tequila, melon liqueur, sweet and sour mix, pineapple juice, and cranberry juice.
Tart
If you’re into tart, they’ve got a drink for you.
The Scorpion — The Scorpion is made with gold rum, light rum, 151 Rum, house made orgeat syrup, pineapple juice, and lemon.
Coconut Based
Really trying to take that tropical feeling to the next level? Try one of their coconut-based drinks.
Kokomo — The Kokomo is made with Amaretto, creme de cocoa, coconut cream, and cream. (You can also add additional flavors like strawberry, pineapple, mango, banana, black cherry, or peach)
Ice Cream Based
If you’re wanting that drink to taste more like dessert, you can try one of their ice cream drinks as well!
Lava Flow —The Lava Flow is made with dark rum, pineapple, coconut cream, fresh banana, fresh strawberry, fountain vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream.
Drinks for Two
On a date? No worries. They’ve got drinks for two.
Volcano — The Volcano is perfect to share and is made with light rum, gold rum, house made grenadine, dry sherry, grapefruit juice, lemon, and is served … yep, it’s served on fire.
In addition to their incredible bar experience, Hala Kahiki also hosts monthly and seasonal events. You can join them for any of the fun in-house pop-ups they have to offer, or, put your name on the list for the monthly Hula dinner and show where you’ll enjoy the magic of live Hula dancing, to really embrace tiki culture.
The Experience
Tucked away on Des Plaines Avenue lives a local legend — a place that transforms when you enter the doors. Like you’ve just landed in Hawaii. Chef Shangri La is a tiki-themed Chinese restaurant that is sure to impress any guest with their over-the-top décor, signature cocktails, delicious food, and live entertainment.
You can enjoy a drink at the tiki bar itself, or head over to the restaurant with the family. Either way, it’ll be a good time.
Signature Cocktails
Although they’re part restaurant, Chef Shangri La takes their drink menu very seriously. If it’s your first time, you can try their signature drink — the Dr. Fong.
Dr. Fong — According to their menu, the Dr. Fong is an ancient Chinese secret loaded with rum and citrus flavors.
You can also try any of their other delicious tropical drinks, like the:
Mango Bango — Made with vodka, mango liqueur, and fruit juices.
Twisted Fuzzy Navel — Made with vodka, white peach liqueur, strawberry liqueur, and fruit juices.
Hurricane — Made with golden rum, a splash of Southern Comfort, grenadine, and fruit juices.
Pina Colada — Made with rum, Malibu rum, coconut cream, and fruit juices, all topped with whipped cream.
Signature Dishes
Their menu? Let’s just say you’ve got choices. Lots of them.
Whether you're in the mood for a few appetizers — like their egg rolls, pan fried pot stickers, or steamed dumplings — or are ready for dinner, they’ve got you covered.
You can try a few of the house favorites like their:
Tahitian Mango Passion Pork — Battered pork smothered in their house-made slightly spicy, sweet mango sauce.
Sesame Chicken — Battered chicken breast on a mound of garlic bok choy and peapods served with the house special gravy.
Spicy Mongolian Shrimp — Made with shrimp, peapods, water chestnuts, mushrooms, and green scallions on a bed of friend vermicelli noodles.
If you’re ready to be entertained, look no further. Chef Shangri La has live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, including a rotating selection of music impersonators. We’ve heard there’s even been outfit changes mid-set. So you can eat, drink, and enjoy the show.
So when it comes to who has the best tiki bar, you’ve really got to try both and decide which is your favorite. Looking to sit down, have some food, fun drinks, and maybe a little live entertainment? Start with Chef Shangri La. Looking for a spot to take friends for a few drinks or a night out? Hala Kahiki might be your first (or last) stop of the night. But one thing is for sure, they’re both local gems that keep their customers coming back for more.