Post #793447 by Prikli Pear on Tue, Feb 26, 2019 10:42 AM

Since there's been next to no discussion of Kanaloa in Houston either here or on FB, I decided to take one for the team a few weeks ago in Houston. Here are some photos to give a feel for the place:

I have a full write-up on my blog but for those who want the Cliff's Notes version:

1. Tiki decor is legit, but spare in places. They cribbed the glass fishing float ceiling idea from False Idol, but it looks good and that's not a cheap investment. The four huge tiki heads on the wall opposite the bar could easily have gone Clown Tiki, but aren't. Their backlit, color-changing eyes are a nice touch.

2. Occasionally, the lights flicker and thunder rumbles through the bar. Nice, old-school tiki touch.

3. The cocktail menu is small, but the drinks we sampled were well-made. They have a huge rum list, though. I suppose that's to compete with High & Dry, and upscale rum bar a block away.

4. Food is provided by OhMyGogi! a Korean fusion outfit that's popular around Houston. And for good reason. Our victuals were delicious.

5. Kanaloa is located near the theatre district, just outside of downtown. Which means street parking, which is terrible. Garage prices vary, as does walking distance.

6. Music was some kind of generic pop/club mix. Very off-putting. I complained about Pilikia in Dallas only playing Reggae, but that was a thousand times more appropriate than what Kanaloa was playing. Ugh.

My takeaway is that Kanaloa has potential, but isn't there yet. It might never get there. The bar staff was friendly and attentive and seemed to be into the tiki concept, but the current management isn't. The impression I got is that the owners--stop me if you've heard this before--opened Kanaloa because tiki is trendy now, but aren't really tiki people themselves and don't get that a tiki bar is more than just a regular bar with island trappings. They've got good drinks and even better food, but will that be enough for the long haul? I dunno.