Post #559460 by donhonyc on Tue, Oct 12, 2010 9:23 PM

leisuremaster-

Thanks for all the details. Like I said I'm willing to give these places a try, and although their ambience might not be my cup-o-tea I'd be excited just to know that someone in NYC is finally making cocktails that are top shelf polynesian/tiki. From your description the Lani Kai sounds like a fun place even if they don't do kitsch. I can do the old-school Copa stuff too.

Just a few other thoughts; although Otto's is high on kitsch I don't really find myself going there often at all. It's definitely a cool place, but the last time I was there, probably a few years ago, they really didn't have any serious cocktails that would make me want to come back...and I live right in the neighborhood. Painkiller has some good stuff, but it's IMO way overpriced for a LES bar. I could see paying a little more to drink there but not as much as they actually charge. Sorry, but that place is definitely highway robbery.

What NYC needs is something very much like Tiki Ti in LA. That place to me is the ultimate in a neighborhood Tiki bar. Cool atmosphere, top shelf drinks, and not too expensive. Needless to say those guys definitely have their act together.

My hope is that maybe Trader Vic's will see what's going on in NYC right now with polynesian/fine dining and want a cut of the action. That would be insane!