Post #7191 by BC-Da-Da on Fri, Aug 30, 2002 2:31 AM

The thing about Trader Vic's is that they are much more sophisiticated than many of the Tiki bars from the '50s and '60s. A lot of the kitsch that is found in places like the Bahooka or the Mai-Kai are simply not there at Trader Vic's. I only know of the Beverly Hills and Chicago loations, but I look at them as being very chic lounges, less inherent of ballyhoo and more physically gratifying in a hedonistic elegance.

The Mai-Kai and the now-defunct Kahiki are probably my two favorite Tiki bars ever, but there is something unique and special about Trader Vic's. It's a different experience altogether, and whoever noted the difference in the visual style of the decor was right, Trader Vic's does not look as Tiki as some places... it IS more Oceanic and, dare I say, "sleek," in a very Modernism sensability. I love it for it's uniqueness. Some might disagree.