Post #360751 by OC editor on Tue, Feb 12, 2008 10:41 AM

So here's the bottom line as I understand it, and then I'll leave the Tiki aficionados to make the call as to whether it's a good or bad thing, or in between.

The Royal Hawaiian was in horrible shape physically, and given the realities of remodeling (access, ABC and use permit restrictions/controls, historic building issues, NIMBYism) there was no way a minor remodel could happen. The place needed a new roof, was molding and smelled horrible, etc. etc., and Laguna Beach is one of the most restrictive cities for doing about anything.

So the choices were basically close it, level it or try to play the system a little. But there was really no practical way the much-loved Hawaiian would remain as was.

So what the owner did was stall for time. He kept the bar open, while much of the remaining structure was behind drywall for a year or two, maybe more (the owner, who drinks a bit, pushed the envelope on several instances, my favorite being the discontinued body shot contests on the bar—previously from a very attractive server's belly button).

When that drywall was removed what was revealed was a modern interpretation of a tiki bar...oh hell I won't go that far. It's a new bar/restaurant with some Tiki touches. Some of the kitsch remains: the odd little glassed in terrarium-like displays, for example.

On the plus side, the exterior looks great; my understanding is the palms and original tikis that had to be removed for construction will be returned. Not sure about that, though.

He is keeping the classic feel of the menu (which was pretty horribly prepared for the last decade or so) and more importantly to many, including me, the classic Tiki drinks. It's exactly the same drink menu.

So that's the plus. The major minus is that because of the disability laws the great old bar will go. To be replaced by bathrooms, of all things—the existing ones are up stairs and inaccessible to the disabled. I really, really wish this weren't so, that some space had been taken off the new section for the facilities while retaining the old bar, even if it were an adjunct, like maybe a sushi bar or something. But I didn't put up the cash to buy the place, remodel it and fight the city every step of the way, so it wasn't my call.

So now many long-time lovers of the Hawaiian are boycotting, giving it up for dead, which is too bad..OK it drew it's fair share of skanks and n-er do wells, but also was a surfer and locals hang out. And now the crowd will likely take on the CdM/Quite Woman/Tommy Bahama vibe.

But for now, the drinks are still strong and tropical, the ribs and shrimp combo rules, and at least the place isn't a Yard House or bad art gallery.

Reporting from Laguna Beach...

[ Edited by: OC editor 2008-02-12 10:46 ]