1. Tiki-Ti (also: Tiki Ti)

Name of a classic Tiki bar located in Hollywood, California.

Tiki-Ti (pronounced 'Tee-Kee-Tee') is a small bar located at 4427 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, California.

Tiki-Ti opened on April 28, 1961. The bar was started by Ray Buhen, a master bartender at Don the Beachcombers, The Palms, and other Tiki establishments throughout Southern California.

Buhen, who spent nearly a quarter of a century honing his mixology craft, decided to go on his own, opening his bar in an extremely small building that was heavily decorated with blowfish lamps, bamboo, and more. Even today, Tiki-Ti retains practically all of its decorative Tiki features. Additionally, the bar is heavily cluttered with decades worth of artifacts collected by the owners, employees, and by customers, making a visit a true experience.

Tiki-Ti has become a favorite for Tikiphiles, particulary those in the Los Angeles area. The bar retains some idiosyncracies that endear it to regulars. Tiki-Ti accepts cash only, is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, does not serve beer, and permits smoking. The bar is also extremely small (accommodating at most, 50 people), and visitors need to come early or expect lengthy waits to get in.

The bar has an extensive drink menu, over seventy recipies including classics like Mai Tais, Zombies, Scorpions, and much more. Most offerings are rum-based, but Tiki-Ti also offers drinks made with vodka, tequila, and gin.

Tiki-Ti is a true survivor of the classic Tiki era, and embodies what a traditional Tiki bar is all about. Tiki-Ti has a website.


Updated September 20, 2004