hello Tiki-folk, I'm a first-time poster but long-time Tiki lover. I checked out the Rock-A-Tiki this weekend and thought you might be interested in my impression. I'm a big fan of Hala Kahiki and was glad to hear of a new Tiki joint in Chicago after so many classics (Kona Kai, House of Tiki) have closed. Well - here goes!
DECOR..... A+
The decor is probably the best damn thing about the place, at this point - it's extremely well done. Lots of thatch & straw on all surfaces, a 16-foot Tiki god overlooking the place, and authentic-looking goodies everywhere. Low lighting a la Trader Vic's. Cozy booths and tables seated about six each; the bar had Tiki-god stools and bamboo sofas for lounging. Glowing fish tank behind the bar; Tiki murals painted on the walls of the bathrooms. All in all, MOST impressive!
FOOD/DRINKS..... B+
The drinks are expensive by regular-bar standards but typical by Tiki-bar standards, $8 each... and much stronger than most Tiki tasties I've had. Mai Tai's came in normal pint glasses (a disappointment) while Zombies, Suffering Bastards, etc. arrived in legitimate Tiki mugs. Some thought the drinks were mixed with too heavy of a hand; I was well buzzed after two drinks. The bar did not yet have key ingredients in stock (Brandy for Stingers, for example) which will probably be rectified in time. The Singapore Sling was inexplicably made with vodka instead of rum. A polynesian kitchen makes a full menu of appetizers and entrees; the coconut shrimp were particularly tasty.
ATMOSPHERE..... C-
The name "Rock-A-Tiki" is exemplified in the music selection: a jukebox runs the show at this bar, and its contents are about 75% rock/soul, 15% reggae and 10% tiki/lounge. Thus we were subjected to lots of Led Zep, AC/DC, Prince, Doors, etc. while attempting to get in the Tiki vibe... not very nice. A friend and I pumped $5 into the machine for 17 tracks of nothing but tiki tunes, but only ended up hearing two of our songs (someone else had apparently overtaken the machine with two hours worth of loud-ass rock). We left comments for management regarding this sad state of affairs and hopefully the content of the juke will be changing. An alternative would be to get in early on a weeknight and monopolize the juke with TIKI tunes while you have the chance! The crowd was what now passes for standard in wickerpark - yuppie a$$holes, hot chicks and a minority of coolkids. The sweet scent of cannabis drifted over our heads midway through the night, which certainly added a positive element to the atmosphere!
SERVICE..... B-
Very slow, uninformed regarding drink selections and probably understaffed since the place just opened two days prior. Waitress answered "how would I know?" when queried about the contents of a Gin Fizz but was otherwise quite friendly. Will probably also improve with time.
OVERALL..... B+
Super-stiff drinks and beautiful decoration are countered by a schizophrenic musical selection and an overwhelmed staff, both of which will hopefully change in coming days.
I'd love to hear anyone else's impression... Aloha oe!
