The tiki revival that's swept the nation is still waiting to stake out a piece of paradise in Boston, where there are no tropics-themed bars in the city proper. But if you're willing to travel a little, it's easy to take a road trip to the islands, with many old-school palaces of tiki scattered throughout the suburbs. (Prefer to sip a fruity drink closer to home? There are also a couple of tiki-ish options in the city.) Here's where to go to get your tiki on.
Bali Hai
Lynnfield
It's a 30-minute drive from central Boston to this Polynesian dive in Lynnfield, which has remained all but untouched since the '70s. The upside is that Bali Hai also boasts throwback prices: $5 for a mai tai, $7 for a scorpion bowl for two, and $20 for a massive pu pu platter for four, complete with spare ribs, egg rolls, teriyaki, fried shrimp, crab rangoon, and more.
Kowloon
Saugus
Just five miles from the Bali Hai is Saugus' Kowloon, a theatrical tiki wonderland that's been serving up Zombie cocktails, scorpion bowls, and Polynesian kitsch since 1950. With the deck of a ship as its dance floor, illuminated volcanoes on the walls, and spraying fountains, it's a Disney-esque time machine to the glamor of the Mad Men era. Just keep in mind that its decades of popularity with North Shore denizens means prices can be a little high for what you get.
Tahiti
Dedham
With volcano murals, round red chairs, and groovy patterned carpeting, Tahiti's lounge is a trip to the islands by way of the '60s. The old-school menu boasts classics like spareribs and Peking ravioli, and the bar will keep you well-supplied with piña coladas and Suffering Bastards (a combo of gin, brandy, lime juice, and ginger beer) for a super-cheap $6-7 per drink.
Tiki Island Restaurant
Medford
The last whistle-stop on the suburban tiki tour: this 30+ year old spot in Medford, where the pu pu platters are flaming, the drinks come in souvenir mugs, and a giant Buddha watches over the neon-orange booths in the dining room. You'll select your drink from a menu of colorful photos, but watch out—when the menu says a cocktail is boozy, it means business.
Tiger Mama
Fenway/Kenmore
Back in Boston, this Southeast Asian spot from Top Chef alum Tiffani Faison (pictured at top) has two bars—and the one in the back specializes in tiki drinks, like the Mala Swizzle (with whiskey, banana, and Szechuan pepper) and the Octo-Booty, a massive $55 punch bowl meant to be shared by 4-6 people. Throw in some small plates like crispy Vietnamese pork rolls and charred chili-ginger ribs, and you'll be feeling like a tiger yourself.
Swizzle Sunday at The Hawthorne
Kenmore Square
There's also a cityside pop-up for Boston tiki enthusiasts to enjoy: summertime-only "Swizzle Sundays" on the patio of the Commonwealth Hotel's bar. (It comes from the folks behind Eastern Standard, so you know the drinks are serious.) The guest bartenders and cocktail lineup rotate every Sunday from 5-9pm; follow them on Facebook for the latest intel.
