Post #566604 by JOHN-O on Fri, Nov 26, 2010 3:45 PM

Well since this is a Zombie thread, let me comment on that drink.

It was a flavorful cocktail, both fruity with a nice sour aftertaste. It reminded me of the Zombie at Frankie's Tiki Room, which I really like as well. But like that drink, I really can't consider it a classic Zombie. It just didn't have the stiffness and complexity.

Talking to Josh, the person at Tiki No responsible for the drink recipes, he said they're still working on the right combination of price vs. mixology faithfulness. I'm sure we'll be seeing the drinks evolve there over time. Based on the people I saw there on Thanksgiving eve, Tiki No is trying to cater to more than just the Tikiphile rank and file (and from what I could see, is being successful in that endeavor).

Most of the best Zombies I sampled on my "Road Trip" were about $13. Tiki No's was $10. I told Josh that I'd be willing to pay more money for the best Tropical cocktail possible. If you feel the same way, please share that with him.

The decor and ambiance of Tiki No however is perfect !! This is another Bamboo Ben masterpiece. Consider this in the same league as Forbidden Island and Frankie's Tiki Room (and then some). Rather than just a faithful recreation of classic Tiki-style atmosphere, it seems to have updated the aesthetic for the 21st century.

This place isn't out-and-out competition to the Tonga Hut but rather a good complement to it. Now the lucky city of North Hollywood can claim the best of classic Tiki-style historic authenticity and the best of net new Tiki Revival.

Why oh why, though, couldn't Tiki No have opened in Venice ??

And if the theft of a Tiki bar's drink menus is a sign of success, all of Tiki No's original 60 drink menus have already left the building.