In a city where ancient Rome neighbors medieval England and the Eiffel Tower shares a skyline with Egyptian pyramids, it should come as no surprise that Polynesian paradise flourishes in the Mojave Desert. Las Vegas’s love affair with tiki culture isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving, with seven distinctive tropical hideaways offering refuge from the relentless western sun. (Three of these spots opened during the pandemic. Apparently, we all needed a tropical getaway!)
Our city’s tiki renaissance traces back to the atomic age when Americans first fell in love with tropical escapism. Today’s Vegas tiki scene delivers that same promise of paradise but with a thoroughly modern twist. Whether you’re a devoted tikiphile or just someone who appreciates the artistry of a well-crafted rum drink, here’s your guide to going tropical in the desert.
Frankie’s Tiki Room
The godfather of Vegas tiki bars, Frankie’s stands as a testament to old-school Polynesian pop. Open 24/7 (because when else would you need a Zombie?), this dark den of tropical delights features original decor by tiki legend Bamboo Ben. Start with their Navy Grog, but save room for the notorious Fink Bomb—a high-octane concoction that comes with its own warning label. Just don’t blame us when you wake up with an overflowing ceramic mug collection.
1712 W Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Open 24 hours
(702) 385-3110
Golden Tiki
If Disney imagineers opened a rum bar, it might look something like Golden Tiki. Complete with animatronic skeletons and a talking statue of Merlin (yes, really), it’s Vegas kitsch at its finest. Their Dole Whip cocktails have achieved cult status, but the real move is the Piranha Pool—a sharing bowl that serves four and comes with enough dry ice drama to rival a Cirque show.
3939 Spring Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Open 24 hours
(702) 222-3196
Tiki di Amore
This kid on the bamboo block brings Italian flair to Polynesian fare. The tiki bar, which features great music from local bands like the Pyro Surfers, is situated outside and behind an old-school Italian restaurant. Their color-changing Witch Doctor cocktail has become social media gold, but don’t sleep on the Volcano Bowl—a flaming masterpiece that serves two and comes with enough rum to make you forget you’re in the desert entirely.
2850 E Tropicana Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday – Closed
Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 5–11 PM
(702) 433-4967
Red Dwarf
Who says tiki can’t go sci-fi? Red Dwarf’s space-age spin on traditional tiki includes LED-lit drinks and cocktails named after celestial bodies. Their Space Age Sailor puts a cosmic twist on the classic Navy Grog, while the Martian Mai Tai shows that tropical vibes can indeed survive on the red planet.
1305 Vegas Valley Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89169
11 AM – 1 AM Daily
(702) 640-0496
Golden Monkey
This glittering gem proves that tiki culture plays nice with craft cocktail precision. The Curse of the Golden Monkey—their signature smoking shooter—offers Instagram-worthy theatrics, but it’s the perfectly balanced Mai Tai that keeps the tiki purists coming back.
111 Resorts World Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89109
4 PM–12 AM Daily
(702) 676-7000
Starboard Tack
Part dive bar, part tiki joint, all heart. Their Port of Call (served in a ceramic shark, naturally) has become legendary, but the real move here is to let their bartenders go off-menu. Just tell them your preferred spirit and trust in their tropical wisdom. They’ve been a part of the scene here since 1972!
2601 Atlantic St, Las Vegas, NV 89121
Open 24 hours
(702) 684-5769
Stray Pirate
The newest addition to Vegas’s tiki family brings a distinctly local interpretation to Polynesian pop. Their Desert Isle cocktail cheekily combines rum with prickly pear, proving that sometimes the best tropical escape includes a nod to your surroundings.
1321 S Commerce St, Las Vegas, NV 89102
2 PM–12 AM – Daily
(725) 254-2769
Whether you’re escaping the summer heat or the winter tourists, Vegas’s tiki bars offer a portal to paradise—no ocean required. Each spot brings its own interpretation of tropical escapism, from traditional to experimental, dive bar to high concept. The best part? In true Vegas fashion, most of these spots stay open late enough that you can attempt the ultimate tiki crawl. (Though we recommend spreading it out over a few nights unless you want to wake up thinking you’re actually in Polynesia.)
Pro tip: Many of these bars offer custom mugs for sale. They’re pricey but the perfect souvenir from your desert island getaway. Just remember: as with all things, moderation is key. These drinks pack more punch than a heavyweight bout at T-Mobile Arena.
After all, what happens in Vegas’ tiki bars… well, you might not remember anyway.
