This completely updated and expanded guide to tiki culture in North America and abroad lists, describes, and reviews every known tiki bar, Polynesian restaurant, and other site of interest to fans of “Polynesian Pop.” From tiki godfathers such as Edgar Leeteg and Don the Beachcomber to contemporary tiki artists like Shag and Bosko, this resource covers all things tiki in prose that is witty, entertaining, and essential for anyone who has ever stepped up to a bar, glanced up at the pufferfish hanging from the ceiling, and ordered a Singapore Sling. An expanded offering of recipes for classic cocktails, a larger glossary of tiki terms, and more resources for buying tiki goods and artifacts are included in this revised edition. Reminiscences of famous points of interest that have closed are provided for the completist, for historical perspective, and for those seeking information on the current status of a favorite tiki site.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 14 reviews)

The essential guide to Tiki Bars of America (and worldwide)

Sure, this needs an updated edition, but the Internet can help fill in the newer information. If you're looking for an old Tiki Bar, or the remains of one, or a retro-Tiki establishment on the highways and in town, this is your guide. Drink reviews, comments on the food, and measures of the Tiki factors are all here. If you've ever driven into Rapid City late at night and wondered if you could find a good Zombie, you didn't have this book with you.
November 13, 2008

THE resource for Tiki Bars

If you like Tiki, then you love a Tiki Bar and tropical cocktails with the South Pacific ambience. This book tells you where they're all located. Around the world, even. If you travel a bit, you probably should keep it with you. As a Tiki Bar resource, it can't be beat.
February 15, 2008

book

great book. loaded with info. on tiki. the only thing missing was web sites for the places in the book. it would be nice to find more info. otherwise great book with a lot of info.
September 15, 2007

Worth the Upgrade

So you already have a no doubt well-worn copy of the first edition of "TRT" and you're wondering if it's worth buying this new one?

Yes. Get it.

Sure, you've got the expected updates to the fast-changing world of tiki, along with more of the tell-it-like-it-is reviews that were the first edition's trademark.

But Teitelbaum has also expanded the historical information about locations that are no longer with us. And there seem to be more photos and other "urban archaeological" tidbits sprinkled throughout, giving it more of the flavor of Sven Kirsten's "Book of Tiki". These are welcome improvements, and it makes this edition just as suited for armchair reading as it is for actual trip planning.

Maps, perhaps one at the beginning of each state's section, would've been nice. Many of these tiki spots are in the suburbs, which can make it difficult to tell what's near the particular city you're visiting if you're not familiar with the names of the surrounding towns. But that's not enough of a quibble to detract from a solid, five-star rating.

June 27, 2007

Great book to include in all your retro vacation planning

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have used the reviews while on several different trips, to Las Vegas, San Diego, and in Southern California. A lot of this info could not be found elsewhere!

A word of advice to lucky purchasers of this book however--do double check, call ahead, and make sure your destination still exists! I have made several blunders as well assuming that a place was open for lunch when many are nightspots only.

That said, a great guide (and check out the inside of the Hanalei/Red Lion Hotel in San Diego--the bartenders make a mean scorpion in a nifty souvenier bowl!!)
October 17, 2005

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