| Tiki Bars |
(hit "refresh" to get the most recent version of this page; click on photos for larger images)
| The Kahiki Supper Club [gone] Columbus, OH |
||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Kahiki Outlet Store Gahanna, OH |
|
 |
 |
|
The Kahiki (translation: "Sail to Tahiti") Supper Club was built between 1960-1961 and had 80' high ceilings. It had it all: fountains, waterfalls, tropical fish and plants, parrots, huge tiki god statues, grass huts, palm trees, paintings, etc. There were flaming desserts and drinks, as well as thunder and lightning storms. While most Polynesian restaurants focused on interior décor, the Kahiki's design extended to its exterior as well. People would wait for hours to get into the 20,000 square foot restaurant.
Despite being listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, the Kahiki was torn down in 2000 to make way for a Walgreens store. According to a Walgreen's spokesman "Walgreens has a policy against destroying historic buildings... The company just doesn't think the Kahiki makes the cut. This building is unusual, but it's not very old." Kahiki management has all the restaurant's "artifacts" in storage but does not have any plans of reopening. Instead, they are focusing on their frozen foods and sauces business. Many of these items are on display at their outlet store. Unfortunately, they were closed when I was there so I could only get this one photo through the window. For more, see these websites: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. [photos of Kahiki Supper Club, top row thanks Tim Lister] |
| Omni Hut Smyrna, TN |
 |
| The Omni Hut is a Polynesian restaurant. It's illegal to buy liquor there but you can bring your own in. It opened in 1960 and much of the décor is original. A major fire in 2000 damaged much of the interior but they survived. For more, see this website. |
| Waikiki Wally's New York, NY |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Waikiki Wally's opened in 2002 but it has an old-style tiki bar feel. They do not cheapen the place by mixing in retro elements, nor do they scrimp on décor either by just throwing up some bamboo and tiki heads. The small space is packed with tiki art and atmosphere. Wally's has an original mural, a waterfall, and bar dioramas. The owner has done his research and exhibits a true love for the style. There is also a small room for private parties. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. |
| Lee's Hawaiian Islander Lyndhurst, NJ |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Lee's Hawaiian Islander has two locations, both built in 1974. The Lyndhurst location offers karaoke on Saturdays and hula shows on Sundays. The interior is lush and sincere.
The Clifton location suffered a major fire in 2003 and it seems unlikely that it will reopen. For more, see these websites: 1 and 2. |
| Chan's Dragon Inn Ridgefield, NJ |
Bali Hai Lynnfield, MA |
 |
 |
|
Chan's Dragon Inn opened in 1962 and the interior is still all original. Chan's features Hawaiian music, a waterfall, outrigger canoes, lots of bamboo and Polynesian dishes. For more, see this website.
Bali Hai has low lighting and Polynesian accents inside. It opened in the 1960s or 1970s. The restaurant offers a Polynesian/Chinese menu. For more, see this website. |
| Page 1 | Page 3 | Links |
| [Cool Interiors] [Main Roadside Page] |
all photos contained at this website are copyrighted and may be used only with consent