Post #70843 by 2QueerTikis on Sun, Jan 18, 2004 11:34 PM

The Purple Orchid is our new favorite tiki bar in the Los Angeles area. It is just simply the most perfect Tiki experience we have yet to encounter. This fabulous El Segundo location, located very near, but not on the beach is owned by Rebecca and Dave who have obviously taken great care to create and re-create this tiki bar. It combines vintage tiki elements with fresh neo-tiki ideas. This is especially evident in their amazing and eclectic drink menu which offers updated classics such as the Mai Tai as well as new libations such as “ The Funky Monkey” (one of our favorites and a must try). Bartenders serve up beautiful drinks never containing less than a huge pineapple slice, several umbrellas, tiny monkeys and tasty cherries. And of course all served in gorgeous Tiki Farm mugs…the bar’s own “Purple Orchid” mug can be bought for a reasonable 8 dollars. While we are on the subject of dollars, the drinks are extremely well priced. (tiki martinis 6 dollars, tiki drinks 8 dollars) And for all you couples or you tiki folks who may need a slightly bigger kick, you can get them served up in a flaming volcano bowl. Ask for Diane, who relishes in giving the Tikiphile the perfect concoction and the largest amount of garnish with a smile.

Now that we’ve raved about the drinks (obviously the first concern when entering a new tiki establishment), we must rave about the amazing décor. Starting with the authentic Leroy Schmaltz tiki poles greeting you at the door, it only gets better. Rebecca and Dave went so far as to modify the ceilings in this old El Segundo watering hole to create a classic A-frame. You are also immediately greeted by the Purple Orchid mascot tiki which is a whole 2 year tiki adventure story in itself, as reported by Rebecca. Great care has been taken to create a classic tiki environment without the clutter sometimes associated with older Tiki bars. Bamboo and grass on every surface along with fabulous lighting and great detail (puffer fish, floaters, tiki shrines etc) transport you to a south seas location.

We also love The Purple Orchid for it’s fabulous “event nights” such as their Tiki Halloween night and their Tiki New Years Eve Celebration. The locals who frequent the bar unfortunately don’t seem to fully realize that they have just stepped into a Tiki Fantasy. The only thing negative to say about the Purple Orchid is that there are one too many beers being consumed and not enough fabulous “Funky Monkey’s”.

[ Edited by: 2QueerTikis on 2004-01-19 17:05 ]