Post #81155 by TikiTrevor on Tue, Mar 16, 2004 10:22 AM

I would like to post my comments about Taboo Cove/Venus Lounge. I stumbled upon this place back in November of 2001. I forced my friends to go there with me one night. Back then they did play Exotica in the Cove and they had a lounge band playing in the Lounge. They served every drink to us in a Tiki mug, though their mug selection was limited to what TikiTommy listed. One thing they did do for us was make us a Scorpion in a large Moai looking bowl and they did light it on fire. They had a Polynesian Dance show that performed 2 or 3 times a night. I think I might have pictures of this, so if i can find them, I'll post em.

I ended up talking with the manager, Manny, about the place and he let me walk around and take a bunch of pictures. We were there for my friends 21st birthday, so the manager kept giving us free drinks. When we were leaving, Manny gave me a bunch of napkins, swizzle sticks, their Shag Promo flyer and actually gave me one of their Menu’s w/ Shag art throughout the entire thing. Manny and the rest of the bar staff, Chris and Brian, treated us well all night long. The door guys Lee and Pauly also were very nice to us. We explained to the manager that we wanted to come back for New Years and they set us up nice for their New Years party.

Since then, I always make it a point to stop by the Lounge and yes I have seen the downward spiral the bar has taken in regards to going from Tiki to Top 40’s. The bar staff there still to this day treat me well and knows me by name. Now there is a long line to get in there (which they don’t make we wait in) and I have actually seen some famous Rappers there a few nights (This shows you the demographic that they are trying to reach). Over all, I would not suggest this place for the Tikiphiles who want to experience a traditional Tiki Bar, but if you wanna pay a $20 cover and party till 6 am, then this is the place to go. I will continue to go there because of the great hospitality that I get treated with.