Post #477287 by RockaHula on Sat, Aug 15, 2009 4:44 PM

Hello, Everyone. I'm new to Tiki Central, but I must say I have a GREAT update on the Tiki Cocktail Lounge. I have befriended the owner, Mitch Maesetti and he has informed me that he has owned the Tiki Cocktail Lounge for a bit over 20 years. I took a stay at the Tropics Motel (now the Rodeway Inn) behind the bar one night and went in from the rain to have a Blue Hawaiian. QUITE the tasty (and strong) cocktail if I do say so myself and the fire pit warmed me (and my soaked jacket) to the bone. It was very cozy indeed. I must say that Humuhumu is correct in mentioning that the Tiki Cocktail Lounge is now a gay-friendly bar and YES, there is a rainbow flag above the back entrance. The bar is FULL of gorgeous velvet paintings and thatch booths and the fire pit is to die for. Mitch has decided to move some of the hut booths back a bit and take out one of the large booths to create a dance floor. That will be taking place soon. As for the Tropics Motel, owner Meeran Saxena has spent the last 2 years updating all of the rooms and is going out of her way to renovate the place. She really wants to keep it as TIKI as she can. She recently re-paved the parking lot and is looking to put in a new fence between the bar and the motel.
I spoke to Mitch recently about his lack of rums and he has informed me that he will be purchasing several new rums to help try to bring the bar back to it's original glory. Right now, they specialize in vodkas. He is open to suggestion. He and I and Meeran are working together this October to host the ROCK-A-HULA POOL-A-PARTY which will be an all day event with a complete luau and pool party. We'll have live bands playing Exotica and DJs spinning the best in tropical sounds.
I really think these two places are back on the road to recovery. Hope you all get to visit these two awesome historical places!