la.foodblogging

I am so sick of Los Angeles’ sleazy celebrity infested nightlife and bar scene. One can barely go out for a drink anywhere anymore without tripping over a crack in Hollywood Boulevard, and accidentally ending up the next morning in bed with a drunk Paris Hilton.

However, for all of you foodbloggers who are disillusioned snoots like me, I want to share with you one of the only great bars left in our tawdry City of Angels. It may only be open wednesday-sunday, it may be the size of your grandma’s garage, and it may not have a dj or flashy disco bulbs, but Tiki Ti on Sunset blvd (right near the Sunset Hollywood Junction) is by far one of the best and least pretentious bars on the eastside of Los Angeles. And for god’s sakes, one of the only bars left in Los Angeles that Lindsay Lohan wouldn’t be allowed inside.

Founded in 1961 by Ray Buhen, The Tiki is decorated from floor to ceiling in South Pacific tropical style. From the giant glowing Tiki faces that stare down at you as you sip fruit filled cocktails, to the hundreds of patron testimonials that are scrawled on white notecards (hung on the wall) dating back to ‘61, stepping into Tiki Ti is like floating into another world, a blissful old-timey paradise of rum and friends. While the Tiki is incredibly small, its size creates a family atmosphere in which patrons are friendly and generally good natured. After all, Tiki Ti is a family owned and operated establishment, which means that the service is always great and smoking is allowed. So for those who are sensitive to a bit of the ol’ nicotine, this might not be your cup of rum-filled tea.

The Tiki is made up of a mixed crowd. From silverlake hipsters, to withered bikers, to 30 something century city lawyers, everyone and anyone is welcome at this tropical getaway. One extremely intoxicated guy with a pony tail and white “wifebeater” tank top offered to take me to Tijuana after I asked him what he was drinking. Later after a couple more drinks, he conceded that he actually had no car, and therefore we couldn’t really go to TJ, but then he gave me a manly hug and the rest of his “Uga Booga” drink. (Note: If you do order the “Uga Booga,” a powerful rum, rum, and more rum cocktail, be warned that Mike or Mike Jr (the bartenders/owners) will shout “Uga Booga!” as they douse your cup with even MORE rum from a Tiki spouted bottle. This also applies to the “Blood and Sand”)

Drinks at the Tiki are no laughing matter. 2 cocktails will put you way over into DUI land so come prepared with a slew of designated drivers. With dozens of drink concoctions (all mostly consisting of rum) there is a drink for everyone, from the most jaded alcoholics to the most pious nuns. For a classic, on Wednesday nights, “Ray’s Mistake,” a signature drink made with botanical liqueurs, passion fruit and floated with dark Coruba Rum is only 5 bucks. For a real kick in the head try “The Stealth,” a 12 dollar potion consisting of Kahlua, 151 rum Amaretto, Grand Marnier & Baileys… sure to awaken the Tiki gods in your head. My personal favorite has to be “The 151 Swizzle,” a 151, lime and dark Jamaican rum drink topped with cinnamon. mmmmm. Drinks are typically between 8-15$ but worth every rum soaked-dollar. So next weekend when you are looking for a place to go, avoid all of the lines, cover charges, and sketchy girls in skirts and ugg boots and head over to Tiki Ti for some good taste. By the end of the night I promise you too will be gutturally chanting: “UGA BUGGA!”

Tiki Ti
4427 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90027
(323) 669-9281)
Open: Wed-Sat