Post #778288 by Ragbag Comics on Fri, Jul 28, 2017 12:25 PM

You're right on HK, Sven...

It is one of my absolute favorite places we've ever been. When we lived in Chicago, we went once a week, or more, for years. It was one of the first Tiki bars we ever visited a dozen or more years ago, and really set our whole obsession in motion. It's a magic place, and there aren't many of them left.

Many of the changes they've made recently have been highly positive... Most notably, they have a solid rum selection now, for one thing, and have been working hard to improve their cocktails. Tailwinds Distillery in IL has even made them their own Navy-strength rum (which is quite delicious.)

In terms of decor, the interior is pretty much exactly the same as it's always been, except for the aforementioned gambling machines near the entrance now, which caused some re-jiggering in the seating in the bar area. Instead of the old, low cocktail tables & chairs, there are now bar tables to stand at (which help fit in more people.) Aesthetically, I'm not crazy about it personally, but I understand the motivation and the need, and they did consult our own Tipsy McStagger to aid in making the change as unobtrusive as possible (and he did a good job with it, I'll add.)

They've added old newspaper clippings and some history on the place, framed and hanging in the entry way as well, which I thought was a really nice touch. Their menus were updated (they're super modern looking, but at least celebrate the history of the place and forced them to do away with the old 90's clip art jobs they had for years) and the door mats, match books, and some other things celebrate that they've been in the same family and open since 1964.

They also updated the music a bit, which I would put in the negative column personally... I do really miss the old (and I mean OLD) crackly Hawaiian music they would play on an endless loop... there was this kind of ethereal, creepy time warp feel to that aspect. Nut again, I understand the update. And it's tasteful, mostly... some Hawaiian music mixed with the Beach Boys and some exotica and surf tracks. Nothing too jarring.

And then, the tiki mugs. They finally have their own tiki mugs from Tiki Farm. A first since the Orchids of Hawaii ones they had 1960's.

So... mostly all positive changes, fueled by a need for a slight amount more modernity to stay competitive (but done in a way that doesn't ruin everything.)

But ... then those hideous eyesores appeared outside.

They are a mystery.

A hideous, clown-like, eye-hurting mystery.

So long as they don't come inside (and believe me, the Chicago Ohana has made it abundantly clear that ain't nobody cool with them things...) but even outside, you said it... the low-key, humble nature of everything outside and the mystery of what lies within is something that has always contributed to make the place so wonderful. With these two things greeting you on your way in now, I feel like I need to be blindfolded until I'm inside.

Maybe they're a motivation to make people drink more to forget them?

--P