LOVE The Golden Tiki! Had my 50th birthday there and perfect drinks, music, service…everything. I’m a super fan for life! Been back since with a big group and everyone was blown away. Glad to hear your revised experience shared here!
Golden Tiki being smoke free has pushed it to the top for me in Vegas. I used to prefer Frankies, but unless you are there during off hours the smoke can be overwhelming for a non smoker.
I have to agree about that part. As a person who is not a Las Vegas local it usually throws me off when I go somewhere and people are smoking indoors. Most places around the U.S. are smoke free.
I stayed at I think TI In Las Vegas right before they blew the stardust up. It was completely vacated and made that whole block black. Dark AF. Then on my next visit. All that was left was the old Sign. Vacant leveled lot. So weird and kinda sad! But, looking forward to visiting these great Tiki lounges soon. Thanks for sharing always enjoy the content!
The Golden Tiki is far from corporate. The owner has collected exotica since the 80’s , threw lounge events inside the Islands Restaurant at the Hanalei in SD since early 90’s if anything Frankie’s was very late to an already existing scene.
That video is yours?! I’m so stoked you have the dvd! I’ve seen this weird video on the tv at both Frankie’s and The Reef in Palm Springs and have been searching the web for it. YES!
The most important difference between Golden Tiki and Frankies is that Golden Tiki is non-smoking. That's enough to make it the priority between the two. I also did check Tiki DiAmore which is a tiki patio off an Italian restaurant.
We got to go to Frankie’s, Golden Tiki and Tiki Di Amore during Las years Viva and we loved each one for different reasons. I heard the bartender who created the drink menu at Di Amore has since left so not sure it’s still as good.
My wife and I had the same expectations walking in-and the same experience! We were blown away and actually had a better experience than Frankie’s. We LOVED the dark/divey Frankie’s, but the drinks were just decent and there was only one bartender. We’ll totally go back, but Golden Tiki was VERY SPECIAL. The decor was AMAZING. The drinks were FABULOUS, the food was MARVELOUS, and then there the staff that brought it all together!!!
I really enjoy both The Golden Tiki and Frankies - but Frankie’s is my all-time favorite by just a little - possibly because it was the first tiki bar I ever went to, and I feel comforted by the divey feel, hahaha. I hadn’t even heard of Tiki Di Amore. Guess I need to go back to Vegas ASAP! Loved this episode and hearing your insight on both joints!
"I hope your girlfriend is vegan, 'cause she ain't gettin' no meat off of that thing!" -quote from the disembodied voice in the Golden Tiki bathroom. I've never been so simultaneously insulted and entertained as I was during my time in the can at that joint!!!
Enjoyed meeting you at The Golden Tiki, Spike! Good times. Can’t say I agree about the quality or consistency of the drinks but I do love the bar. It’s always a fun time there! Now get your ass to San Francisco so we can drink some rum overs here, man!
Spike, do you know if Frankie's ever played your DVD behind the bar? I remember being there with friends one time and having that video experience, but I have no idea if it was your DVD playing on a loop or their own concoction. I would be interested to learn if you knew if they used your video for their backdrop at any time. I was there twice, one time it was on, and the other time it wasnt.
LOL. I like that it feels clean! If that's what "corporate tiki" is, I'll take it! I'm not looking for a dive bar, that's for sure. Golden Tiki is awesome, especially for cocktail nerds like me.
Wasn't the 151 float on a MaiTai called ''The Old Way'' at Vic's? Not because they used to do it before, but because an Aged Regular used to call for his *MaiTais like that. That's what the waitresses called it. Either a float or a 1 or 1-1/2 oz pony on the side. [*Is the proper Polynesian plural form MaiMaiTaiTai ?] With the 151, it's pretty much an Almond Zombie.
I stayed at the Stardust in the 90s and it was a shell of it's former glory. The Aku Aku wasn't there anymore. It was, in fact, somewhat low end. Sigh.
Great video, Spike! Oh, how it makes me wanna be rich and to be able to travel around the world and see all the great Tiki bars. So far I've seen none.
I got a mai tai last week that was on fire and I didn't notice. Fortunately, my wife warned me at the last second. I lost a couple nose hairs, but it could've been much worse.
Went last week. I prefer Golden Tiki more than Frankie's. Didn't really like my drink from Frankie's, I hear I need to find the right bartender while I didn't have fun but Golden Tiki had far better drinks
Vegas Local here. I would rank our Bars as follows, Frankies, Tiki Di Amore then Golden Tiki. Frankies is just my favorite, Yes it can be VERY smokey. And I mean VERY SMOKEY. But the drinks are strong. My favorite will always be the Green Gasser. Frankie's is the kind of placer you can go to any time. Tiki Di Amore while it is tiki... also has a kind of "Margaritaville vibe" But on the few times of year we have great weather, nothing beats having a drink outside. Now for me, I am not a huge fan of Golden Tiki just because it is not my scene. It really seems made for people to take Instagram photos in. I just gravitate to dive bars. Don't get me wrong the decor inside is nothing short of amazing. But they for sure cater to tourists rather than locals. The one you might not have known about is the Red Dwarf. Newly opened in Vegas But it already looks lived in. It is more of a Punk/Tiki/Dive bar with great beers and a really inventive drinks menu. Also, they have amazing Detroit-style pizza.
Golden Tiki drinks are way better . Better booze and better ingredients. They only sucked their first year til they got the hang of it . Now they have Adam Rains who won best bartender in Nevada, best in Las Vegas and also Top 10 in the world
![Tiki Carver's Las Vegas Tiki [High Roller]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/UXX9Cqj5G30/mqdefault.jpg)
I don’t know how I feel about those corks
I find them a bit corky...
Ahhhhh... put a cork in it!
😉
LOVE The Golden Tiki! Had my 50th birthday there and perfect drinks, music, service…everything. I’m a super fan for life! Been back since with a big group and everyone was blown away. Glad to hear your revised experience shared here!
Im going for my 50th!!
Golden Tiki being smoke free has pushed it to the top for me in Vegas. I used to prefer Frankies, but unless you are there during off hours the smoke can be overwhelming for a non smoker.
I have to agree about that part. As a person who is not a Las Vegas local it usually throws me off when I go somewhere and people are smoking indoors. Most places around the U.S. are smoke free.
I stayed at I think TI In Las Vegas right before they blew the stardust up. It was completely vacated and made that whole block black. Dark AF. Then on my next visit. All that was left was the old Sign. Vacant leveled lot. So weird and kinda sad! But, looking forward to visiting these great Tiki lounges soon. Thanks for sharing always enjoy the content!
Aw that's a crazy story... it's sad when the land value is worth more than the historical value. :/
The Golden Tiki is far from corporate. The owner has collected exotica since the 80’s , threw lounge events inside the Islands Restaurant at the Hanalei in SD since early 90’s if anything Frankie’s was very late to an already existing scene.
Great Episode Spike. Loved celebrating my Birthday there! Will definitely return and also I will check out the other Tiki places in Vegas.
Just been there recently, what an awesome place!
That video is yours?! I’m so stoked you have the dvd! I’ve seen this weird video on the tv at both Frankie’s and The Reef in Palm Springs and have been searching the web for it. YES!
Nice meeting you on Sunday at Oceanic Arts Auction. Drinking and Disney are my two favorites. See Ya Real Soon.
🙌
The most important difference between Golden Tiki and Frankies is that Golden Tiki is non-smoking. That's enough to make it the priority between the two. I also did check Tiki DiAmore which is a tiki patio off an Italian restaurant.
I smoked in there, they have ashtrays
Jimmy Vegas - golden tiki hasnt had smoking or ashtrays since Covid started
The Golden Tiki is actually remodeling their pirate aka “oriental” room over the next 90 days.
Oh wow! I can't wait to see what they do with it!
We got to go to Frankie’s, Golden Tiki and Tiki Di Amore during Las years Viva and we loved each one for different reasons. I heard the bartender who created the drink menu at Di Amore has since left so not sure it’s still as good.
Ordered the DVD! Oriental describes objects so you should be in the clear on that one
Haha.. thank you. I thought so too, but you never know these days.
Went there just last year. A nice Tiki Bar. Bought two mugs for my colection. good times.
Take us back! This is incredible…
So much fun. 🙌
I went to the Golden Tiki at the beginning of April and had such a good time!! A lot of Disney things hidden throughout too
My wife and I had the same expectations walking in-and the same experience! We were blown away and actually had a better experience than Frankie’s. We LOVED the dark/divey Frankie’s, but the drinks were just decent and there was only one bartender. We’ll totally go back, but Golden Tiki was VERY SPECIAL. The decor was AMAZING. The drinks were FABULOUS, the food was MARVELOUS, and then there the staff that brought it all together!!!
I saw you at several events at Viva, but I didnt get a chance to say hi :(
Aw, next time!
I really enjoy both The Golden Tiki and Frankies - but Frankie’s is my all-time favorite by just a little - possibly because it was the first tiki bar I ever went to, and I feel comforted by the divey feel, hahaha. I hadn’t even heard of Tiki Di Amore. Guess I need to go back to Vegas ASAP!
Loved this episode and hearing your insight on both joints!
"I hope your girlfriend is vegan, 'cause she ain't gettin' no meat off of that thing!" -quote from the disembodied voice in the Golden Tiki bathroom.
I've never been so simultaneously insulted and entertained as I was during my time in the can at that joint!!!
hahahaha... Seriously
Thanks for hanging with me and exploring all those drinks at the golden tiki! Let’s hit tiki di amore next time!!
Wonderful video! Thank you for the info 🍹🐡🐠🧉
☺️
I went yesterday and quite enjoyed it. I really liked the drinks.
Great to hear!
Enjoyed meeting you at The Golden Tiki, Spike! Good times. Can’t say I agree about the quality or consistency of the drinks but I do love the bar. It’s always a fun time there! Now get your ass to San Francisco so we can drink some rum overs here, man!
Yeah, maybe I just got a great bartender that first night 🤷🏻♂️ SF soon!! Hopefully in Oct or Nov!
That bathroom sounds and looks wild!
Wish I could have joined you and Luigi…not sure I would have survived!!! 🤪
Some day soon George! And bring an extra liver 🤪
😂
Spike, do you know if Frankie's ever played your DVD behind the bar? I remember being there with friends one time and having that video experience, but I have no idea if it was your DVD playing on a loop or their own concoction. I would be interested to learn if you knew if they used your video for their backdrop at any time. I was there twice, one time it was on, and the other time it wasnt.
Oh and Adam Rains, the Golden Tiki’s cocktail god would be a SPECTACULAR guest some time!
LOL. I like that it feels clean! If that's what "corporate tiki" is, I'll take it! I'm not looking for a dive bar, that's for sure. Golden Tiki is awesome, especially for cocktail nerds like me.
Golden Tiki is awesome! Not to thrilled with the time limit on the tables. But it's a great place.
I WANT a copy of Spike's TIKI Weirdo-land compilation DVD!!!
Just ordered. Cool
was the tiki bar from the movie ''swingers'' frankies ?
I don't remember a tiki bar in Swingers… I know that they went to the Dresden and some other bars though... 🤔
@@BreezewayCocktailHour it was the bar where they met up with the cocktail waitress and her friend ''dorothy'' from the wizard of oz.
Wasn't the 151 float on a MaiTai called ''The Old Way'' at Vic's? Not because they used to do it before, but because an Aged Regular used to call for his *MaiTais like that. That's what the waitresses called it. Either a float or a 1 or 1-1/2 oz pony on the side.
[*Is the proper Polynesian plural form MaiMaiTaiTai ?]
With the 151, it's pretty much an Almond Zombie.
Yeah, that does sound familiar.
Man, those dvds are already sold out! Making any more?
I stayed at the Stardust in the 90s and it was a shell of it's former glory. The Aku Aku wasn't there anymore. It was, in fact, somewhat low end. Sigh.
What’s in the Weirdo Land DVD?
Just a bunch of weird video clips from the 1950s and 60s. Bikini girls and monsters and Tiki...
Great video, Spike! Oh, how it makes me wanna be rich and to be able to travel around the world and see all the great Tiki bars. So far I've seen none.
If u come to AZ this weekend for tiki oasis, review my bar.
I'm afraid that I won't be out there this time around.
Heading there right now!!!! Gonna check out Frankie’s after
Anyone else going to tiki oasis in Arizona next weekend?
What do you think about corks? LOL....Actually, every time I open a bottle of wine (daily) I think about how corks are better than screw caps.
Exactly
Viva Las Vegas!
More Tiki Bar reviews would be cool. Hope you make enough money to travel for the show.
As I travel to them, I will certainly do more. 👍
I'm hoping that we get to that point soon.
I got a mai tai last week that was on fire and I didn't notice. Fortunately, my wife warned me at the last second. I lost a couple nose hairs, but it could've been much worse.
Hahaha....
Went last week. I prefer Golden Tiki more than Frankie's. Didn't really like my drink from Frankie's, I hear I need to find the right bartender while I didn't have fun but Golden Tiki had far better drinks
Any chance to get the DVD?
I'm making more of them soon
@@BreezewayCocktailHour Any news? 😊
How did I not see you the entire time at Viva?? Boo.
You got a po box? I want to send you something
I'm working on that. thanks!
💚 love you spike...why so smug? Invite Adam on your show already 🧉
Something
Yesss
Vegas Local here. I would rank our Bars as follows, Frankies, Tiki Di Amore then Golden Tiki.
Frankies is just my favorite, Yes it can be VERY smokey. And I mean VERY SMOKEY. But the drinks are strong. My favorite will always be the Green Gasser. Frankie's is the kind of placer you can go to any time. Tiki Di Amore while it is tiki... also has a kind of "Margaritaville vibe" But on the few times of year we have great weather, nothing beats having a drink outside. Now for me, I am not a huge fan of Golden Tiki just because it is not my scene. It really seems made for people to take Instagram photos in. I just gravitate to dive bars. Don't get me wrong the decor inside is nothing short of amazing. But they for sure cater to tourists rather than locals.
The one you might not have known about is the Red Dwarf. Newly opened in Vegas But it already looks lived in. It is more of a Punk/Tiki/Dive bar with great beers and a really inventive drinks menu. Also, they have amazing Detroit-style pizza.
I like both but Frankie's has a special place in my heart
I feel the same
I've been to Frankie's, but had also been warned away from the Golden Tiki because the drinks weren't very good. Next time. . . .
I found the drink at Golden Tiki to be marginally better than Frankies overall.
I thought the drinks at Golden Tiki were really good!
Golden Tiki drinks are way better . Better booze and better ingredients. They only sucked their first year til they got the hang of it . Now they have Adam Rains who won best bartender in Nevada, best in Las Vegas and also Top 10 in the world
You look like Adam Sandler, has anyone told you that?
Yes. 😂