Post #59968 by christiki295 on Fri, Nov 14, 2003 1:18 PM

In my opinion, the Purple Orchid is the all-around best tiki bar in Southern California.

First and foremost, the bar abounds with tikis: glowing neon tikis, tall tikis, Soloman Island\PNG tikis on the ceilings, even tikis on the outside.

Drinks are served in tikis. Purple Orchid even has its own purple, Purple Orchid tiki mug.

The drinks that aren't served in tikis are served in volcano Scorpion Bowls, with firery lighted 151 erupting in the middle (even Trader Vic's dosen't have those!)

The decor is beautiful. The walls are covered with split bamboo (done by the owners). Hawaiiana abounds.

The $8.50 price of drinks are most reasonable, including the cost of martinis, of which they have numerous tiki inspired selections. In a world where the price of a martini approaches $10.00, the $8.50 price is very welcome.

The purple cloth of the 2 pool tables are very dramatic, just like Gotham City in SaMo.

Lastly, the owners are two of the nicest people you ever want to meet (and well traveled in the South Pacific too).